Athas`s stark exposure is testimony

(October, 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Ever since Sunday Times Defence correspondent and Associate Chief Editor, Iqbal Athas exposed the insidious sordid MIG 27 aircraft Deal of the Govt. whereby many millions of rupees loss was incurred by the country, the Govt. has been viciously hounding and harassing Athas as if he had committed a dastardly crime, when he should be extolled as acting in the best interests of the Nation, even though the naked truths would have stung the highest in the hierarchy of the land.

It is a universally accepted truth that Athas as a journalist has always adhered to professional ethics and integrity. He cannot be swayed by dirty politics or evil pelf. Indeed, this is not the first time he has been critical .Even with previous Govts., he had been critical where criticism is due. But, no previous Govt. has tried these terror tactics against him.

It is only on this occasion, such brutal and outrageously undemocratic measures were taken by a Govt .:His security was dismantled unceremoniously, branded a traitor by the Army Spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara and subjected to dire murder threats .The intimidation and harassment were so grave that the Int. Media groups had to lodge their protests to quell the situation, at least for a while.

In fairness to Athas it must be stated that , if what he has exposed are true , then , he is not the one who has committed the treason against the country as alleged by the accused Govt. Rather, it is the Govt which should explain to the people why it purchased these outdated jets (discarded in its own country, Ukraine) at such colossal sums. Besides, these jets have been of no use in the fight against the LTTE. In other words, this bungling by the Govt.has intentionally or by accident helped the terrorists, and devastated Public funds.
Now, it is for the people to decide who is the traitor?