Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Saturday warned that the creators of YouTube channel Bai Thaksalawa and other critics of the government are now facing death threats.
He said a culture of shootings and contract-style killings by unidentified gunmen continues to spread across the country, leaving civilians vulnerable. Within this climate, systematic intimidation is being directed even at groups who publicly question the administration.
Premadasa highlighted that unidentified individuals on unregistered bicycles had recently been seen near the residences of Bai Thaksalawa operators Iraj Weeraratne and Milinda Rajapaksa. He said this reflects the growing insecurity facing journalists, activists, and citizens.
“These threats against media personnel are a deadly blow to democracy and must be stopped immediately. Authorities should investigate these unidentified individuals,” Premadasa said.
He argued that all citizens have the right to praise what the government does right and criticize what it does wrong, adding that neither the government nor armed groups have the power to strip that right away.
