Sinhala TV Reporter arrested for stealing computers, digital cameras, temple artifacts in Vanni

A Sinhala TV reporter working in the state-run Rupavahini Corporation, who is assigned to cover the conflict in Vanni, was arrested on Thursday on charge of stealing computers and digital cameras from Tamil Tiger bases, according to police sources. Police said five laptops and ten digital cameras were recovered from his possession.

Police also recovered several artifacts removed from Hindu temples from the reporter, identified as Deshapremi Saman Kumara Ramawickrama. The arrest was made when the reporter was returning to Colombo.

Police said immediately after the arrest some quarters tried to influence police to suppress the matter. They asked police to keep all the goods in their custody but release the reporter and not to record any thing on their books in this connection.

Freelance and journalists working in non-government media are barred from covering the conflict zone. The Government allows only allowed state-owned television and radio organizations into the area to cover war in its line.