(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release: Vienna, 6 November 2003 IPI Supports Speedy Return to Parliamentary Democracy and the Lifting of Emergency Laws in Sri Lanka The International Press Institute (IPI) calls on President Chandrika Kumaratunga to rescind her decision to introduce emergency laws that impede the free flow of information in […]
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release:
Vienna, 6 November 2003
IPI Supports Speedy Return to Parliamentary Democracy and the Lifting of Emergency Laws in Sri Lanka
The International Press Institute (IPI) calls on President Chandrika Kumaratunga to rescind her decision to introduce emergency laws that impede the free flow of information in Sri Lanka.
On 4 November 2003, President Kumaratunga suspended parliament, sent soldiers to guard key installations, and dismissed three government ministers, including the Information Minister. Emergency laws, limited to 10 days, were introduced on the following day, allowing President Kumaratunga to ban public gatherings and censor the media.
Speaking about the events, the Director of IPI, Johann P. Fritz said, “After a period of stability which has allowed the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to improve the media environment in the country, journalists are now faced with a return to the days when they were forced to remain silent by threat of crushing emergency laws.”
“The increased media freedoms and the government’s plans to safeguard these freedoms were a sign of growing confidence in Sri Lankan democracy and the belief that the country’s problems could be solved peacefully. Now all of this is in danger of being swept away with the reintroduction of these damaging laws.”
“I call on President Kumaratunga to rescind these laws immediately and to reintroduce parliamentary democracy. I also express my wholehearted support for the Sri Lankan media during this extremely difficult period.”
