Mr.

Nalin Jayatilake
CEO

13.02.15

Dear Mr. Jayatilake,

This has reference to your intimation on 11.02.15 to me that I must
with immediate effect, forward all articles finalized for publication to
both you as the CEO and Mr. Asanga Seneviratne, before leaving my
desk for placement in the said pages and print thereon.
You indicated the pressure brought upon the management, following
the article carried in the newspaper on 08.02.15 'High-Flying
Corruption in Aviation' by Nirmala Kannangara, hence the decision. I
am sorry about this pressure that has come upon you in the course of
upholding the public interest and the publics right to know the truth
about their country and government.
I am also in receipt of a letter sent by you on 19.01.2015 directing me
and 'warning' me against carrying articles that could serve legal
implications to the Company, following the publication of two articles
ie: 'Flying high with Public Funds' and 'The Rs. 4 Billion Computer
Scam', both connected to corruption under the previous regime. It was
also intimated to me that the management was not keen on dealing
with such corruption conducted under the previous regime in general,
and naming the first family in particular.
As far as I am concerned, these articles were published as a matter of
routine, in the best interests of the newspaper and its readership.

Many stories of a similar nature have been published in prior editions

of this newspaper. The sole criteria for publication on my part during
my tenure as editor has been the availability of foolproof documentary
evidence. I did no more than publish articles that were foolproof and
supported by documentary evidence.It is also pertinent to note that
these were not the only individuals about whom investigative stories
have been carried. There have been other politicians, public officials
and businessmen too.
Therefore, as a journalist who believes in journalism in the public
interest I feel that your request that I submit all my copy to you for
final approval is difficult to accede to. While I appreciate your concern
on the business aspect of the newspaper, it is important to note the
crucial role the credibility of the newspaper plays in meeting these
interests. The credibility of the newspaper rests on its independence
and lack of bias in its reporting. You will agree that even in very
difficult circumstances we have always sought to maintain the
accuracy and integrity in our news. I have always followed these
principles as editor of the Sunday Leader.
It is also my belief that as the editor of the SundayLeader I owe a
certain duty to my readership to carry whatever story that comes my
way that highlights misdemeanors and corrupt practices. I also wish
to state that on no occasion have these stories been sourced by me. I
have merely seen to their publication in the interests of the public. I
wish to bring to your attention that my experience as a journalist for
two decades has ensured that the practices of responsible journalism
has not once evaded me.
It is also pertinent to note that with the change of government, we
have been trying to engage in journalism, free from state and political
influence, as promised by the new government. I am therefore
surprised that while any pressure from the previous political regime

has ceased, I am being asked by you as the publisher, to curtail from

carrying on my duties as the Editor of the newspaper, and engage in
practices that go against the principles and ethics I have hitherto
exercised.
I therefore find it very difficult to agree to the suggestion of forwarding
articles, which have already been scrutinized by me and received my
approval for publication, to be sent to you and Mr. Seneviratne for
further approval.I believe this poses a serious threat on the freedoms
that I wish to share with my Editorial staff, as well as undermining
my role and credibility as an Editor who is called on to act in the public
interest; a role in which I wish to remind you I have not failed since I
took over.
It is under these circumstances that I wish to tender my resignation
from the post to you.
Yours sincerely,

Shakuntala Perera
Editor-in-Chief
Sunday Leader