In the beginning of current month on January 8, 2009 the journalist was killed in Sri Lanka. He has also faced attacks on his life in recent years. In the present scenario Sri Lankan journalists are facing a grave threat not only from the anti-lobby but from the lobby with full support from the present leadership. It became true when another journalist Upali Tennakoon, Editor of Rivira was assaulted and stabbed by unidentified men on Friday (January23, 2009) in Imbulgoda, Sri Lanka, while on his way to office in his car. Upali was travelling along with his wife who has also received injuries. Later Upali was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.

Congressman Adam Schiff on the floor of the United States House of Representatives honoured the murdered editor-in-chief Lasantha Wickrematunge by reading excerpts of Lasantha’s last editorial on January 22, 2009. Adam Schiff is one of the co-founders of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press. Since its inception in 206, the Caucus has highlighted ;the importance of free expression around the globe. "I rise today to honour, Lasantha Wickrematunge, a brave journalist who was gunned down while driving to work in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Threats, attacks and murders of journalist are becoming all too common in Sri Lanka. Wickrematunge knew the dangers well, but courageously continued reporting," he said. During the honouring Lasantha excerpts of his final editorial published posthumously were read.

Apart from this England also joined last week in condemning the brutal murder of the hero journalist. David Miliband, British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs reiterated that it was the duty of the authorities to take prompt action into these incidents. "We condemn such brazen attacks. Of particular concern was the murder, on January, 8, of the chief editor of The Sunday Leader Newspaper, Lasantha Wickrematunge. The Sri Lankan authorities have a duty to take prompt action to ensure that a thorough and independent investigation is carried out," Miliband said. Also till date only JANADHIKAR, prime pioneer service oriented human rights organisation in Bharat stands alone in coming out in the open in condemning attacks on the journalist Lasantha Wicrematunge.