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“I am definitely not threatening your lives. Our services are appreciated by 99 per cent of the people. They love the Army Commander (General Sarath Fonseka) and the Army. There are Sri Lankan patriots who love us and will do what is required if necessary.”
Gotabaya Rajapaksa made the statement during a 2007 meeting at Lake House Publications, threatening two journalists to stop their criticism of the military.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa – 2007
Military Officer and Former President of Sri Lanka
Notable Actions Undermining Press Freedom under Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Harassment, Threats, and Violence Against Journalists
Threats to media workers: As Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa reportedly threatened journalists from state-owned Lake House Publications, stating that unless they ceased criticism, “what will happen to you is beyond my control.” When asked if this was a threat, he firmly replied that while he’d not explicitly threatened their lives, “Sri Lankan patriots … will do what is required if necessary.” Assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge: The editor of The Sunday Leader, which was critical of Rajapaksa, was assassinated in January 2009—just days before he was due to testify in a defamation case filed by Gotabaya. His death remains emblematic of the lethal risks faced by journalists.
Disappearances and Impunity
Killings and disappearances of journalists: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) documented that at least 14 journalists were killed or disappeared while Rajapaksa held the defense portfolio. Numerous others were tortured or received death threats, prompting many to flee the country. State-linked violence: Investigations suggest he directed a death squad—operating outside formal army command—to target journalists, resulting in the deaths of around 17 media workers, with many more assaulted or abducted.
Surveillance, Raids, and Intimidation
Police raids: Shortly after assuming the presidency, police conducted a forceful raid on the independent online outlet Newshub.lk. Servers and computers were seized—even though the warrant used had expired—signaling a blatant disregard for legal protocols. Routine harassment: Amnesty International reported multiple unscheduled visits to media offices and NGOs between mid-2019 and early-2020 by police, CID, and intelligence units—clearly acts of intimidation.
Legal and Administrative Pressure
Censorship and self-censorship: Under Rajapaksa, journalists increasingly avoided sensitive topics—sidestepping coverage that might “demoralize the war effort,” per his own stance.
International Condemnation
Global criticism: Both Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists, among others, condemned the administration’s campaign of fear and repression—pointing to threats, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on media and civil society. RSF’s description: Reporters Without Borders branded Rajapaksa a “predator of press freedom,” highlighting systemic impunity for crimes against journalists.
Read More: https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Gotabhaya_Rajapaksa