National Integrity Award winner abducted and severely assaulted

Transparency International Sri Lanka is deeply dismayed by the abduction and assault of journalist Poddala Jayantha. He was abducted by an unidentified gang while on his way home on the evening of 1st June 2009 and later abandoned with severe injuries.

In 2004 TISL honored Jayantha with the National Integrity Award for his courageous reporting and dedication to combating corruption.

This latest attack comes amid growing concern for the safety of independent journalists in Sri Lanka. TISL is alarmed to note that many of the journalists who have been targeted have been active anti-corruption campaigners. Jayantha was an outspoken media-freedom advocate, and a relentless practitioner of investigative journalism. The attack is a threat to both these aspects.

TISL hopes the authorities will take swift steps to apprehend the perpetrators behind this heinous attack and show serious commitment to protecting all citizens who stand against corruption.