09/30/2014, 00.00
SRI LANKA
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Sri Lanka, police block a course for journalists: "They want to silence us"

by Melani Manel Perera
The Professional Web Journalist Association (Pwja) accuses the government of trying to silence independent media. It is the fourth time in three months that the authorities prevent the holding of a seminar for journalists.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - For the fourth time in three months, the government of Sri Lanka has "sabotaged" a training course for journalists. The complaint comes from Professional Web Journalist Association (Pwja), organizer of the seminar. According to the leaders of the Pwja, what happened is yet another act of intimidation ​​by the island's authorities to silence independent media.

The course - on digital security and the code of ethics of information on the web - was to be held on 27 and 28 September at Rani Beach Hotel in Negombo, a coastal town 38 kilometers from the capital Colombo.

Freddy Gamage, president of Pwja and Meepura journalist, told AsiaNews: "This morning I received a phone call from an officer of the Terrorism Investigation Division (Tid). He informed me that a group called Nation Building Union, was surrounding the 'hotel: the police could not guarantee the safety of participants and for this reason we could not hold the seminar". In addition, undercover agents also ordered the owner of Rani Beach Hotel to prohibit the course, because "civilians were coming and protesting, creating confusion."

Yesterday, police spokesman Ajith Rohana denied the accusation, saying that "the police have no involvement." The hotel owner refused to comment on the incident.

Last July, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defenses issued a warning note prohibiting NGOs and civil society organizations from engaging in any activity that transcends the specific tasks of the organization. In particular, he asks them not to hold press conferences; issue press releases; organize journalism courses and workshops for those working in the media. The note was then sent to all NGOs.

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