Verbal Assault on a  Journalist by John Amaratunge Before HRC

Followed by a protest staged  by residents opposing the disposal of garbage collected from Colombo in areas such as Wattala, Kerawalapitiya and Muthurajawela, a discussion was held at the Minister John Amaratunga’s  office in Kandana, on July 08.

After the discussion, a journalist proceeded to inquire from him about the protests launched against the disposing of garbage in Bopitiya as well, whereupon he responded the journalist with unparliamentarily words. Subsequently  he complained to the Human Rights Commission to the effect that the  Minister had also made death threats on the very occasion.

The Commission has launched an investigation in connection with the incident. Statements from the complainant have also been obtained.

The Human Rights Commission has informed the Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga, to present his case in connection with the incident under oath before August 10.Accoirdingly he has been notified.