The Ministry of Housing development this week announced the construction of four new villages in honour of journalists who either lost their lives or were attacked in the line of duty.
Attending the ground breaking ceremony of four Uda Gammana villages to be created in Weeraketiya, Hambantota in remembrance of four veteran journalists - late Lasantha Wickrematunge, Upali Tennakoon, Keith Noyahr and Poddala Jayantha, the Minister of Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs, Sajith Premadasa said having Media freedom in a country only further strengthens its democracy.
“Those in the opposition who are responsible for the assassination of former Sunday Leader journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, assault incidents faced by Upali Thennakoon, Keith Noyahr and Poddala Jayantha are now pretending to be innocent,” the Minister said adding that it is the right of the people to protect the Media.
“We are ready to sacrifice our lives for truthful Media”, the Minister said.
Lasantha Wickremetunge Anusmaranagama, the new village for Public Servants will have 28 houses, while the Upali Tennakoon Gama and Keith Noyahr Gama will consist of 25 houses each. There will be 24 houses in Poddala Jayantha Gama, the Ministry announced.