Wickrematunge, Eknaligoda among 78 journalists to be compensated

Thursday, 7 November 2019 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet approves compensation for 78 journalists who were victimised between 2005 and 2015
Compensation to range from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 1.5 million

The family of slain Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda and 78 other persecuted members of the media will be compensated under a proposal approved by Cabinet on Tuesday.

Compensation ranging from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 1.5 million has been proposed for the journalists by a special committee which was appointed to look into and seek justice for journalists who were killed or physically attacked in the line of duty as well as others who were threatened and harassed during the period from 2005-2015, the Daily FT learns.

The compensation covers 78 journalists who were subjected to various forms of harassment, including political victimisation and persecution, during the 10-year period.

The proposal to compensate the media personnel was presented by President Maithripala Sirisena on behalf of Non-Cabinet Minister of Mass Media Ruwan Wijewardene.

The journalists have been selected based on representations made to the special committee.