Channel-4 journalists sent back to Colombo
Channel -4 journalists including Callum Macrae, who were heading to the North were sent back to Colombo in a special vehicle by the police saying it was being done for security reasons after their train was blocked at Anuradhapura Railway Station by a group of protesters.
Meanwhile Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the safety of the Channel 4 journalists was of paramount importance and that travel restrictions would be imposed taking into account their safety.
“The safety of the journalists is of paramount importance. Despite repeated calls to stop them from coming here, the government took a courageous decision and gave them the visas and therefore it is our duty to ensure their safety,” he said.
The minister said he was not aware of the ground situation in Anuradhapura and could not comment whether the train would be allowed to proceed to Vavuniya as scheduled.
“I don’t know what the ground situation is, but if there is any threat to their safety we will take necessary measures to bring them back and impose travel restrictions to ensure their safety,” he said.
(Courtesy: DM Online)
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The visa was granted to cover CHOGM.. it’s the right of the Government to take action against anyone who deviates.
Further, Mr. Callum should keep in mind that granting of visa does not mean that the majority of citizens of SL are fond of you and wouldn’t prevent them from expressing their hatred towards these media men who are serving LTTE/Diaspora for mere self interest, distorting facts and demeaning our brave soldiers and our Country.
Also to remember that the country is run by SL government, not the good old Brits.
He should allowed to go north because of he will get real situation there,its mean after war north situation are better then what he got from other peoples news.
Fantastic. What applies to MR when he is going to address Oxford Union in UK should be valid for Macrae too. There are lot more angry people in SL that may harm him for his lies against Sinhalese.
Callum Macrae and his team should understand that they can’t come to Sri Lanka and throw their weight around trying to display their superiority. Sri Lanka is not any more a crown colony of Brits. Freedom of media is one thing but Callum is a media prostitute to please LTTE with any false news against Sri Lanka.
Ha! Ha! The could have asked all those questions and embarrass/ prosecute him when he went there (Oxford -UK). Where was C$ journalists then????????????????
http://www.channel4.com/news/sri-lankas-president-rajapakse-cancels-oxford-visit