(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: The Free Media Movement (FMM) is deeply concerned about the uncertain situation in the country after the President’s takeover of three key ministries on 4 November 2003. The ministries of Defense, Interior and Mass Communications were taken over by the President, citing security concerns. FMM is […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
The Free Media Movement (FMM) is deeply concerned about the uncertain situation in the country after the President’s takeover of three key ministries on 4 November 2003. The ministries of Defense, Interior and Mass Communications were taken over by the President, citing security concerns.
FMM is very concerned over the possible adverse affects on media freedom in particular and democratic rights in general caused by this uncertain political environment. FMM is further concerned about the inevitable repercussions resulting from the takeover of the Information Ministry, under which all powerful state media institutions function.
Following the undemocratic tradition of appointing political supporters of the governing party to the high posts of state media, the President, in this instance, changed the editors and directors of state media institutions overnight. In some instances, journalists have been thrown out and doors forced open by the new political bosses of the state media. Changes in reporting are already visible. As usual, it has become a one-party propaganda machine again.
FMM has persistently called for the democratization of state media, urging that they be brought under an independent media commission and transformed into genuine public service media. Both the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) promised to transform state media into public service media when they were in opposition, but failed to carry out any far reaching changes, either in editorial policies or governing structures, after coming to power.
While renewing its call to democratize state-owned media, FMM requests that all media outlets, including state-owned media in the country, be balanced when reporting on the current crisis so that citizens may be able to make informed judgments.
At the same time, FMM requests that the government not sack any journalists working in state media institutions on political grounds.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson, FMM
