(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: A group of Sinhala extremist demonstrators used physical force and violence in an attempt to disrupt a Sinhala-Tamil cultural conference and harm its participants. The conference was being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 29 and 30 October 2003. The FMM vehemently condemns these undemocratic actions […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
A group of Sinhala extremist demonstrators used physical force and violence in an attempt to disrupt a Sinhala-Tamil cultural conference and harm its participants. The conference was being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 29 and 30 October 2003. The FMM vehemently condemns these undemocratic actions as a threat to freedom of expression and freedom of association.
Journalists Atula Vithanage, of Hiru FM radio station, and Yamuni Rashmika, of “Lanka” newspaper, were attacked by the demonstrators and sustained injuries.
Tolerance of opposing opinions and the ability to engage in peaceful dialogue is a fundamental principle of any viable democratic system. Freedom of speech entails the right to hold differing opinions. Over the last year in southern Sri Lanka, however, extremist nationalist forces have repeatedly tried to disrupt meetings, demonstrations and public activities organised by those who are advocating for peace. The extremist forces have used physical as well as psychological violence against individuals and organisations.
The FMM also stated that it is extremely unfortunate that a Sinhala-language daily newspaper, which has an obligation to protect freedom of speech, unleashed a hate campaign against the inter-ethnic cultural festival and incited violence. Some of the newspaper’s journalists actively participated in the violent attack against conference participants.
The FMM strongly urges all political parties and other organisations to uphold the right to hold differing opinions and to engage in democratic and peaceful dialogue. The right to protest is a basic principle of freedom of expression. The organisation also urges all pro-democracy forces to be vigilant and unite to safeguard basic rights in the face of increasingly violent nationalist extremist forces.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson
Free Media Movement
