Transparency International (TI) today vehemently condemned the attempt on the life of J. C. Weliamuna, prominent Sri Lankan anti-corruption and human rights advocate, and Executive Director of TI Sri Lanka (TISL), following a grenade attack on his family s home in Colombo late Saturday, 27 September. Weliamuna, his wife and two young children escaped injury.
TI is deeply concerned by this attempt to intimidate anti-corruption and human rights advocates, and all those who dedicate their lives to building a better future for Sri Lanka. TI calls on the government of Sri Lanka to ensure a fair, speedy and transparent investigation, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Weliamuna, his family and the personnel of TI Sri Lanka.
The bombing of Weliamuna s home is the latest episode in a continuing wave of harassment of activists, journalists and civil society - seen as a concerted effort to curb the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka - although the precise motives of Saturday s perpetrator remains unclear.
TI, currently participating in a meeting on the protection of anti-corruption advocates being held in Helsinki at the invitation of the Finnish government, condemns all intimidation tactics against anti-corruption advocates, from professional discrimination to physical threats.
TI remains in constant contact with Weliamuna, tracking events as they unfold.
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30 Sep 2008 15:19:42 GMT