The attack on the Uthayan Newspaper office in Jaffna by unidentified gunmen on the night of 2nd May is a matter of grave concern. This act has claimed the lives of two employees of the Uthayan office, while injuring three others. Our condolences go to the family members of the victims of this killing.

The security forces have arrested two persons on suspicion. The Government for its part has vehemently condemned this attack committed on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day where Sri Lanka is the venue of a UNESCO sponsored International Conference to mark the occasion.

The attack on the Uthayan Newspaper office is another grim reminder of the culture of violence and impunity as well as the multiple sources of violence particularly in the North and the East. Such senseless violence negatively impacts on the on-going peace process and therefore is a matter of particular concern. It is imperative that the perpetrators, whoever they may be, are identified and punished.