At last Justice delivered ... Parameshwari Released.

Sri Lanka Working Journalist Association is elated by the release of the "Mawbima" journalist Ms Munusami Parameshwari from four months of detention at the hands of Sri Lanka's Terrorist Investigation Division under the country's controversial Anti Terror regulations.

It is, indeed, a great relief for the fellow journalists to see Parameshweri walk free after months of mental anguish at the detention. That was also a victory for truth and justice, though, unfortunately, the justice had been delayed.

The Attorney General on March 22 decided to drop charges against the "Mawbima" journalist, who was arrested on November 23 last year and held in detention without charges.

While welcoming the Attorney General's Decision, the SLWJA wishes to underline the stark reality where the fundamental rights of the citizens being curtailed by the newly imposed anti-terror regulations.

Whatever may be the Government's justification for the introduction of the new anti-terror laws, the prolong detention of Parameshwari is yet another example of these regulations being exploited to crack down on the dissenting voices within the country's media.

We note that the day after she was arrested, three Sinhala newspapers carried headline stories stating that as a result of the statements to the Police by her female friend, who was arrested with along with her, they were able to recovered 10kg of high explosives and 10 claymore mines. It was later discovered that this story was entirely fabricated and planted in the media. Even worse, several Government ministers went on record saying that she was being held in custody because of her connection with terrorists 

The SLWJA expresses its best wishes to Ms Parameshweri and wishes the brave journalist an excellent career ahead.

The SLWJA also wishes for a greater media freedom and a more tolerant society.