Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, State Department correspondent
The United States has reiterated its commitment to supporting media freedom in Sri Lanka, underscoring it as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy. This affirmation comes in response to the recent arrest of IMF Technical Advisor and South Asia Perspectives writer Asanga Abeyagoonasekera.
Abeyagoonasekera was detained on July 21 upon his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka. His arrest followed a warrant issued by the Inland Revenue Department related to an ongoing case against him. He was later released on bail after a court order.
A regular writer for the Washington-based magazine South Asia Perspectives and the son of Ossie Abeyagoonasekera, a former leader of the Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya (SLMP), Asanga Abeyagoonasekera’s arrest has raised concerns about the state of media freedom in Sri Lanka. On August 8, journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey questioned the U.S. State Department about the arrest during a briefing, highlighting worries about an apparent attempt to silence journalists and the ongoing gang violence in Colombo. He also questioned the caretaker President Wickremesinghe’s protection of the corrupt Rajapaksa family.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged the question, stating that he would follow up with a response.
In a subsequent written response on Saturday, a State Department spokesperson emphasized the U.S. government’s ongoing support for good governance, transparency, media freedom, and the rule of law in Sri Lanka, describing these as the foundations of a thriving democracy.
“Our shared commitment to the integrity of free and fair elections remains foundational to both of our democracies,” the spokesperson added.
The U.S. also encouraged that any legal process in Sri Lanka be conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the rule of law.
MR/
