(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 19 February 2007 joint press release by FMM and other organisations: Disturbing statement by Government Minister prompts urgent call for clarification We strongly condemn the statement by Champika Ranawaka, minister for environment and natural resources, advocating the brutal suppression of democratic dissent, even through extrajudicial ways and means. The […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 19 February 2007 joint press release by FMM and other organisations:
Disturbing statement by Government Minister prompts urgent call for clarification
We strongly condemn the statement by Champika Ranawaka, minister for environment and natural resources, advocating the brutal suppression of democratic dissent, even through extrajudicial ways and means.
The minister, in a statement made to the “Ravaya” newspaper on 18 January 2007, stated (the translation from Sinhala maintains the invective of the original):
“People will die – what can we do about it? Are you asking us to let them live? Those bastards are traitors.
“We can’t do anything because of the ‘wild donkey freedom’ in this country. If they can’t be dealt with through existing laws, we know how to deal with them. If we can’t suppress those bastards with the law, we need to use any other ways and means – yes.”
The minister went on to express his support for a recent poster campaign by the extremist National Movement Against Terrorism (NMAT) – known as a close political ally of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), to which the minister belongs – calling for the elimination of those whom the JHU and NMAT perceive to be aiding and abetting the cause of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), including all pro-peace civil society activists and media activists.
We note that Champika Ranawana has, through his political party, named dozens of prominent human rights and media rights activists, journalists and civil society leaders as “terrorists” on many occasions in the past.
The JHU supports all-out war as the most effective way to defeat the LTTE and oppose any negotiated political settlement or peace process based on power sharing.
The statement by Champika Ranawana violates basic and inviolable principles of public office and is grossly irresponsible for a Member of Parliament. Mr Ranawana effectively denounces democracy, condones extrajudicial action by the state and seeks to quell the growth of democratic dissent. To advocate the outright silencing of ideological opponents is to essentially advocate a fascist regime, with no respect for human rights.
We also wish to register our strong disquiet that Champika Rananwana is known to be a close associate and adviser of the president. Accordingly, we wish urgent clarification from the government on its position regarding the minister’s statement. If it is found to be incongruent with the government’s avowed commitment to democracy and human rights, it is incumbent upon the minister to fully and urgently retract his statement and offer a public apology for what is tantamount to hate speech by a Member of Parliament.
We request all local and international rights and media organisations, as well as the democratic forces within the government, to be vigilant in a context of heightened threats towards human rights and media freedom activists. We also urge all democratic political and civil forces to make their voices heard against this dangerous erosion of democracy.
(signed by)
Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA)
Federation of Media Employees Trade Union (FMETU)
Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF)
Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists Alliance (SLTJA)
Free Media Movement (FMM)
