2ND LEAD (Correction)

Conference decries escalating threat to freedom of expression

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 June 2005, 00:10 GMT]
Representatives of media organizations and Trade Unions, Civil society leaders, artists and members of leftist parties held a conference labelled "Living against murder," protesting against murders of journalists and the rising threat to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. The conference was held at the Jayawardana Center in Colombo Town Hall.

Film Director Dharmasiri Bandaranaike addressing the participants

A one-minute silence was observed in honour of TamilNet senior editor Mr. Dharmeratnam Sivaram and other journalists killed for their writing, before the start of the meeting.

Sinhala music artist Mr. Jayathilaka Bandara sang the tribute song remembering the journalists.

Editor of Ravaya, Mr. Victor Ivon, popular film director Mr. Dharmasri Bandaranayke, Convenor of Free Media Movement, Ms. Seetha Ranjanee, Prof. H. Sriyananda, Member of Parliament Upcountry People Front, Mr. Rathakrishnan and Health Service Trade Union Alliance spokesman Mr. Saman Rathnapriya addressed the meeting.