Tourism Minister John Amaratunga had abused and threatened a journalist on Thursday in the premises of his office at Kandana, which was videoed and telecast by Television Stations. Journalist concerned has lodged an entry with the Kandana Police. Other politicians have condemned the manner John Amaratunga spoke to the journalist. Gampaha District Parliamentarian Prasanna Ranatunga condemned the incident and said Ministers like Amaratunga, who had been elected on the ‘Good Governance’ ticket and act quite contrary to it should be severely dealt with. Sri Lanka Podu Jana Madhya Peramuna, Nalin Kumara Nissanka said the alleged attack on the media person by the Minister was an act of cowardice and a manifestation of his inability to deliver the promises made to voters.He said ever since the unity government came to power it had been repressing the media.
Police has commenced investigation into the complaint made by the affected journalist. Police said they would obtain statements from the policemen who were on duty there as well as the public.A senior officer said they would also obtain a statement from a policeman attached to the Ministerial Security Division, who had urged the media not to video the incident. In the meantime ,Minister Amaratunga reported to have said the media person involved had visited his office uninvited.
