Wild elephant kills journalist on duty in Sri Lanka

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 September 2015

Priyantha Ratnayake, a journalist in Sri Lanka, was fatally injured by a wild elephant while on assignment. The IFJ has called for increased safety measures for journalists.

Summary

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) says it is saddened by the death Tuesday of a Sri Lankan journalist on duty in the North Central Province. According to reports by the police, provincial journalist Priyantha Ratnayake, 43, was killed when a wild elephant attacked him in Minneriya, near a national park. He had gone to the village to cover incidents of wild elephant attacks in the area. He was admitted to the Hingurakgoda Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. "The IFJ expresses condolence to the family of Ratnayake and urges his employer to provide compensation to his family," and IFJ media release said. The IFJ urged the media houses to assess the safety situation for journalists before sending them to report in the area where there is risks to their physical safety. “The IFJ is saddened by the death of P Ratnayake in the line of duty and calls for safety training for all journalists to ensure such incidents are avoided. We urge the journalists to give priority to one’s safety and follow safety rules while on dangerous assignment.” - IFJ Media Release

KEY POINTS:

• Priyantha Ratnayake, 43, was attacked by a wild elephant in Minneriya.
• He was covering incidents of wild elephant attacks in the area.
• Ratnayake was taken to Hingurakgoda Hospital but could not be saved.
• The IFJ expressed condolences and urged compensation for his family.
• The organization emphasized improved safety training for journalists.