By Haruna Sumaila Abugri
An international press freedom organization has issued an urgent appeal to Sri Lankan authorities, demanding immediate action to protect investigative journalist Chamikara Bandara, who it claims is facing a life-threatening situation while in police custody.
The Whistleblowers, Activists and Journalists Safety International Center (WAJSIC) expressed profound alarm on Thursday over the detention of Mr. Bandara, the founder of the ‘Gindara’ YouTube channel, citing concerns over fabricated police evidence and his placement among dangerous inmates.
A Pattern of Retaliation
According to WAJSIC, Mr. Bandara was remanded to Kalutara Remand Prison following an investigation by the Meegahathenna Police. The organization, founded by renowned Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, warns that the facility houses members of organized crime syndicates that Mr. Bandara has previously exposed in his reporting . “His placement among the general prison population constitutes a direct and foreseeable risk of physical attack, retaliation, or assassination,” WAJSIC stated, calling the situation a “grave dereliction of the state’s duty to protect detainees.”
Fabrication of Evidence Alleged
Beyond the physical threat, WAJSIC has accused the police of systematically attempting to destroy Mr. Bandara’s credibility. The group claims that Meegahathenna Police submitted documents containing an incorrect National Identity Card number for the journalist. Based on this alleged fabrication, the police reportedly told the Mathugama Additional Magistrate Court that Mr. Bandara does not hold a valid passport—a claim WAJSIC insists is demonstrably false. The organization argues this was “engineered to deny him bail and undermine his credibility.” Demands for Immediate Action.
WAJSIC has issued three urgent demands to the Sri Lankan Government: 1. Immediate Physical Protection: An immediate transfer to an isolated, high-security cell away from the general prison population. 2. Independent Investigation: The removal of the Meegahathenna Police from the case and a transfer of files to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a “transparent and impartial inquiry.” 3. International Monitoring: Permission for international observers or local legal counsel to monitor court proceedings.
“Journalism is not a crime, and journalists should not be treated as criminals for performing their constitutional duty,” said Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Chairman of WAJSIC. “We demand that the Sri Lankan authorities act immediately to protect Chamikara Bandara’s life and uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom and justice.” WAJSIC has urged the international community to apply pressure on Sri Lankan authorities to ensure Mr. Bandara’s safety and the integrity of the legal proceedings against him.
