Oct 03, Colombo: A number of civil society organizations have organized a picketing campaign today from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Lipton Circle to protest the grenade attack on the residence of the Executive Director of the Transparency International and reputed human rights lawyer and civil activist, J.C.Weliamuna on 27th September 2008.

Free Media Movement, National Peace Council, Center for Policy Alternatives and People's Action for Free and Fair Elections are among the conveners of the campaign.

A communique issued by the conveners said, "We must act in a collective manner to show our protest and to force the government to take the responsibility of not only tracking down the culprits, but also to ensure a safe environment where law-abided people can work for the betterment of the oppressed and marginalized people."

A grenade was lobbed at Mr. Weliamuna’s residence at Dutugemunu Mawatha in Kohuwela on September 27th night. The residence was partially damaged but Mr. Weliamuna or his family was not injured. No one has been arrested yet.