Freelance journalist assaulted in Habaraduwa

Colombo (News 1st): Lasantha Wijeratna, a freelance journalist residing in Habaraduwa, Galle has been attacked by an armed group, earlier today (November 14). Lasantha Wijeratna who sustained lacerations as a result of the attack has been admitted to the ICU of the Karapitiya Hospital. Lasantha Wijeratna is not only a freelance journalist but also an active member of an anti-corruption outfit. According to the media spokesperson of the Police, 3 armed men had entered Wijeratna's house around 2.30 am and had intimidated him and his wife by showing a firearm. Speaking to the media Lasantha Wijerathna's wife described her night:

"We went to sleep at around 12.30 am. We heard the clothes rack toppling, we thought it was the dog. Thereafter my husband went out. Later on, I heard people speaking downstairs. As I tried to get up, one person kept a weapon to my head and told me not to scream. I pleaded with them, asking them not to hurt my husband. I then told that he will not write any more books. They said they will come back."

One suspect had caused an injury to Lasantha Wijeratna's arm with a knife, while the other suspects had caused severe damage to the property. Police media spokesperson SSP Ruwan Gunasekara noted that in the statement, Lasantha Wijeratna has revealed that when he had opened the door and checked who was there, a group of 3 suspects had entered the house and threatened him and his wife by holding them at gunpoint. He added that the television at the house has been damaged and the journalist's hand has been injured due to a knife attack. SSP Gunasekara noted that according to the statement, the attack had been carried out as a result of a book he had written. He said the identity of the suspects has not been ascertained and the Habaraduwa Police are carrying out further investigations. Several protests had been organised at several places in the island today, opposing this attack. A protest which was held opposite the Fort railway station had been organised by the Journalists for Democracy Organization.