(FMM/IFEX) – The FMM is gravely concerned over the continuing campaign by the government to intimidate the independent media in Sri Lanka in the midst of a political crisis brought about by the no confidence motion tabled in parliament by three opposition parties. In the latest event, a state-sponsored group demonstrated outside the office of […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The FMM is gravely concerned over the continuing campaign by the government to intimidate the independent media in Sri Lanka in the midst of a political crisis brought about by the no confidence motion tabled in parliament by three opposition parties.
In the latest event, a state-sponsored group demonstrated outside the office of the MTV-MBC media group, which owns the MTV, Sirasa and Shakshi TV stations and three radio stations, on the morning of Friday 29 June 2001.
The demonstration was held just three days after a senior government minister, Mangala Samaraweera (a former media minister), launched yet another vicious campaign against the independent media using the state-owned electronic and print media. In an interview, he went on record accusing the managing director of the company that owns MTV-MBC and a group of “unscrupulous” journalists led by the editor of the “Ravaya” newspaper, Victor Ivan, of conspiring to bring about the no confidence motion against the government.
At a time of political uncertainty, it is the responsibility of the media as a whole to keep the people of the country fully informed of all developments. According to the FMM, it is deplorable that instead of fulfilling this obligation the state-controlled electronic and print media institutions are being used by those in power to indulge in partisan politics and to intimidate independent journalists and media organisations.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– condemning the present campaign as an attempt to prevent independent media from reporting on critical political developments that are unfavourable to the Peoples’ Alliance (PA)
– noting that the government is bound to defend media freedom and protect the rights and lives of media personnel
– further noting that in the event of any violation or abuse of the freedom of expression of any media personnel, the government will be held accountable by the people of Sri Lanka and the international community
Appeals To
Mangala Samaraweera
Minister for Housing and Urban Development
Anura Priyadarshana Yapa
Minister for Information
Office of the Cabinet of Ministers
Republic Sq.
Sir Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha
Colombo 01
Sri Lanka
Fax: +94 1 323730
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
