Urgent alert: No trace of missing journalist

Statement: Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka

(January 28, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Prageeth Eknaligoda, a Sri Lankan free-lance journalist, has been missing since 24th Sunday. Prageeth who regularly contributed to LankaeNews web site as a political analyst and a cartoonist, is known for his outspoken criticism of the government.

Earlier, in August 2009, Prageeth was abducted by an unidentified armed group and was detained before being released after severe interrogation. There was no investigation and the perpetrators were never brought to book. His wife has already made several complains to the police - apart from making a public appeal demanding his release.

As he has gone missing for three days, we - the Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka - believe that continuous action is needed to safeguard his life. Please treat this matter with urgency. Make phone calls and send emails to:

The President of Sri Lanka - + 94 112447400/ email -president@presidentsoffice.lk

Secretary to the President - +94 112 2326309 / email - prsec@presidentsoffice.lk

Minister of Information Anura Yapa - + 94 0773 814470 (mobile) / +94 112596557 (Office)

Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya - +94 112 421750 / +94 773088400 email - igp@police.lk

Spokesman Mr. Nimal Madiwake (Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police) - +94 72 2248235

SSP I.M. Karunarathne (Assistant Media Spokesman) - +94 11 4236161 +94 772 602897

(please send copies of your emails to journalistsfordemocracy@gmail.com)