Sept 29, Colombo: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) yesterday claimed that forcing four journalists attached to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) to go on leave is unnecessary and unjust.

“Forcing these journalists to go on leave is unnecessary, unjust and a clear breach of their professional rights. The IFJ calls on the SLRC to negotiate with the journalists and their Association,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqui Park said.

The State owned SLRC has sent four of its journalists on compulsory leave after they submitted a letter stating that their professional rights had been disrespected and damaged.

According to IFJ affiliate the Free Media Movement (FMM), SLRC Producers' Union Chairman Kanchana Marasinghe, Organizer Herbert Kumara Alagiyawanna, Athula Peiris and Ravi Abewickrama also distributed leaflets related to the letter to other staff.

The IFJ said they support the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association’s (SLWJA) attempts to reach an amicable solution through negotiations with the Sri Lankan government.