The Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to immediately intervene following what it described as inhumane and unlawful harassment of journalist Lahiru Doloswala and his family by military and police personnel. According to the association, Doloswala, Web Editor of The Morning, was driving home with his wife and two children on July 15 when his vehicle was struck by a Land Cruiser belonging to the Army Commander’s escort. When he attempted to record the incidenLahiru Doloswalat, a commando officer allegedly threatened him and ordered him to stop filming, leaving his family traumatized. The SLWJA said Doloswala later faced intimidation at the Welikada Police Station, where around 30 military personnel arrived and obstructed him from filing a complaint. Although a statement was eventually recorded, the association claims it was distorted under pressure, and video evidence on his phone was forcibly deleted. “The mental trauma inflicted upon Mr. Doloswala and his family during this four‑hour ordeal has still not subsided,” the letter stated, adding that such actions show the collapse of the rule of law and a slide towards anarchy. The association urged the President, as Commander‑in‑Chief, to launch a formal inquiry against the military officers involved and to ensure strict disciplinary action. It also requested that the SLWJA be kept informed of steps taken to safeguard media freedom and civil rights. (Newswire)
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