Colombo, May 03: A Sri Lankan journalist sentenced for 20 years for “inciting communal disharmony” is to receive a Presidential pardon, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris said on Monday.
J.S. Tissainayagam, a Tamil, was sentenced in August under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
He was charged for printing a monthly magazine in which he had allegedly published material inciting communal disharmony. He was also found guilty of collecting funds through the magazine and thereby promoting terrorism.
Mr. Tissainayagam denied the allegations. His conviction triggered protests by media rights activists and international media organisations.
Mr. Tissainayagam has filed an appeal against his conviction and was earlier released on bail.
—Agencies