H.E. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
President of Sri Lanka
Office of the President
Colombo
Sri Lanka
Vienna, 8 September 1999
Your Excellency,
The International Press Institute (IPI) strongly condemns the murder of Rohana Kumara, editor of a pro-opposition newspaper, in Sri Lanka.
IPI is informed that Kumara, editor of the pro-UNP (United National Party) tabloid, Satana (“Battle”), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in a suburb of Colombo. He was travelling home from his office in a taxi late on Tuesday, 7 September, after his wife telephoned to tell him that their house was being attacked.
Opposition leaders demanded a quick investigation into the murder, claiming that “certain powerful people” who were embarrassed by Kumara’s exposés of government corruption were behind the killing. We understand that no suspects have been arrested, but that investigations are underway.
IPI, the global network of editors and media executives, fears that Rohana Kumara may have been killed because of his profession. We therefore urge Your Excellency to ensure that the authorities undertake a thorough investigation in his killing and that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice. We further urge that any findings with regard to the case are disclosed.
We thank you for your attention.
Yours sincerely,
Johann P. Fritz
Director