Rupavahini war correspondent Saman Ramawickrema pleads for clemency from the President
2011-08-31
Cameraman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) Saman Ramawickrema, who covered the Wanni operation, had fallen at the President’s feet and begged to save his life saying certain members of the defence establishment were trying to murder him.
He had cried and denied the stories published in some websites that he had sold photographs and videos taken during the war to some foreign sources. The President had telephoned the Defence Secretary and the Army Commander and asked them to inform their men not to harass Ramawickrema.
One Captain Jayaweera had informed Ramawickrema of a plan to assassinate him. Captain Jayaweera was also
in the group including Ramawickrema who were arrested when trying to smuggle goods from the Wanni while covering the war.
However, Captain Jayaweera was summoned to the US by Major General Shavendra Silva soon after assuming office.
