Articles by Free Media Movement
FMM condemns latest series of attacks, threats and intimidation against journalists and media institutions
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Intimidation and harassment of journalists continue unabated in Sri Lanka 18 July 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Given the number of reports on the intimidation and harassment of journalists the Free Media Movement (FMM) has received over the last two weeks, it is apparent that the Cabinet […]
FMM notes disturbing decline in media freedom since 2005, calls on international community to help reverse the trend
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 1 July 2008 FMM press release: Attacks against media in Sri Lanka: Whither democracy? 1 July 2008: The Free Media Movement (FMM) notes with dismay the dramatic and irrepressible decline in media freedom in Sri Lanka since 2005 under the Rajapakse administration. We have for years repeatedly spoken out […]
Deputy head of Sri Lanka Press Institute and British diplomatic employee brutally assaulted during attempted abduction following attack by government-controlled newspaper
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 30 June 2008 FMM press release: Assault on Journalist Mr. Namal Perera The Free Media Movement (FMM) is shocked and outraged at the brutal assault of Sinhala-language journalist and deputy head of the advocacy section of Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) Namal Perera and a friend this evening (Monday, […]
State-controlled newspaper publishes dangerous allegations against Sri Lanka Press Institute
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: State media level dangerous allegation against Sri Lanka Press Institute Free Media Movement expresses serious concern that a state-controlled media outlet has levelled dangerous allegations against the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) without verifying the story with SLPI. State-controlled Sinhala-language newspaper “Dinamina”, which is considered as […]
Police officials harass independent news website recently labeled by government as “treacherous”; its editor continually threatened
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 24 June 2008 FMM press release: Police question web media organization 23 June 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – The FMM is deeply disturbed to learn that officers of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) visited the offices of http://www.lankaenews.com on 17 June 2008 and questioned its editor, Sandaruwan Senadeera, and its […]
Media self-censorship promoted by defence ministry’s proposed guidelines for reporting on military matters
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Defence Ministry sets out Guidelines for Media (Self)-Censorship In a recent editorial posted on the Defence Ministry website, the Ministry has set forth its views and suggested guidelines with regard to reporting of military-related matters. While it is not clear whether this offensive editorial is a […]
Leading investigative journalist receives death threat
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 14 June 2008 FMM press release: Another senior journalist receives a death threat in Sri Lanka 14 June 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Free Media Movement (FMM) is deeply alarmed that another well-known journalist received a death threat this morning from an unknown caller. Former deputy editor of […]
State broadcasting official publicly issues dire warnings against two journalists
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 12 June 2008 joint media release by FMM and four other organisations: Head of State Media calls for journalist’s death 12th June 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka – Hudson Samarasinghe, recently appointed the chairperson of the state-controlled Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC), called for the death of senior journalist Poddala […]