Tamil journalist pardoned in Sri Lanka

A Sri Lankan journalist sentenced to 20 years for "inciting communal disharmony" is to receive a presidential pardon, External Affairs Minister G L Peiris said on Monday.

A Sri Lankan journalist sentenced to 20 years for "inciting communal disharmony" is to receive a presidential pardon, External Affairs Minister G L Peiris said on Monday.

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J S Tissainayagam, a member of Sri Lanka's Tamil minority, was sentenced in August last year under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

He was charged with printing a monthly magazine in which he allegedly published material inciting communal disharmony. He was also found guilty of collecting funds through the magazine and promoting terrorism.

Tissainayagam denied the allegations. His conviction triggered protests by media rights activists and international media organisations.

Tissainayagam has filed an appeal against his conviction and was earlier released on bail.