REPORTER ARRESTED OVER KANDY INCIDENT

Reporter who videoed Bowatte Thero setting himself on fire ...in custody

     After the incident where Bowatte Thero set himself on fire near Dalada Maligawa on Wesak Poya Day, investigations are being conducted to search for all those who aided and abetted in the act.

     In the process, a search is on for the person who provided the petrol can to the thero while the media cameraman who supplied a video on how the thero was going to set himself on fire and also provided a complete report to the press after being aware of all this in advance has been taken into custody.

     When a human being has revealed the manner in which that person is planning to end his or her life and further, and when somebody is aware of how such a thing is going to take place and does not come forward to his or her rescue; it is an issue relating to humanity. The cameraman had even escorted a group of persons for his support in order to video the occasion and present the report to the media without any sense of fear, guilt or shame.

    When the police had begun to examine the video which had been handed over by the Kandy Provincial correspondent, it has been found that he had abetted the thero to put an end to his life; as disclosed by the conversation he has had with the thero.

   He was a staff correspondent of Kandy who used to supply news to 2 Rupavahini channels and a number of radio channels and newspapers as well. He had initially informed these institutions about this on the 20th of May. On the morning of the 24th, he had mentioned that he would be presenting a special item of local news that day. A voice cut as well as 2 letters had been given to the correspondent prior to to Bowatte Indarathana set himself on fire. While all this was being done, nobody had taken any action to prevent the incident.

    He had even prepared his tripod and had videoed Bowatte Indarathana Thero setting himself up on fire by utilising his camera equipment together with his assistants.

   The STF and the public who were in close proximity had got together and made an effort to rescue the thero.