Articles by Free Media Movement
Armed group threatens journalist in Kalpitiya area
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Armed group threatens “Lankadeepa” correspondent in Kalpitiya It has been reported to the Free Media Movement that a group of armed men in civilian clothes visited the workplace of Mrs. Pathma Kumari, the provincial correspondent for the newspaper “Lankadeepa” in the Kalpitiya area, Puttalam district, in […]
“Mawbima” and “Sunday Standard” newspapers closed by government pressure
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Killing Free Media: The forced closure of Mawbima and the Sunday Standard FMM is deeply distressed to hear news of the untimely demise of the “Mawbima” and “Sunday Standard” newspapers, published by the Standard Newspaper Group. In our statement of 13 March 2007, we first expressed […]
CAPSULE REPORT: In report to UN, FMM calls for urgent measures to halt deterioration of media freedom
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 24 March 2007 FMM press release: Gasping for freedom: Media in Sri Lanka Report submitted by the Free Media Movement for the third session of the UN Human Rights Council, March 2007 The Free Media Movement (FMM) of Sri Lanka addresses the 4th session of the UN Human Rights […]
“Mawbima” journalist freed after four months, no charges; FMM criticises government and media smear
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 22 March 2007 FMM press release: A resounding victory for truth and justice: The release of Munusami Parameshwari The Free Media Movement (FMM) registers its profound relief and elation on the release of “Mawbima” journalist Munusami Parameshwari on 22 March 2007. She was arrested on 21 November 2006and held […]
Government seals bank accounts of critical newspaper, its owner
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 13 March 2007 FMM press release: “Mawbima” newspaper accounts sealed Free Media Movement is disturbed to hear that the bank accounts of the Sinhala-language weekly “Mawbima” were sealed today, 13 March 2007, by the government. “Mawbima” is a critical newspaper and has a wide circulation among the Sinhala population. […]
Defence official’s comments severely undermine media freedom, says FMM
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 23 February 2007 FMM press release: “Freedom of the Wild Ass” vs. Media Freedom in Sri Lanka The comments by Sri Lankan Defence Spokesperson Mr. Keheliya Rambukwella, made in English and Sinhala on the 6 March 2007 news broadcast of the government-owned Independent Television Network (ITN), augment the increasing […]
Defence ministry website misrepresents FMM’s position on three abducted journalists
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 16 February 2007 FMM letter to Sri Lankan Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa: Secretary Ministry of Defense Government of Sri Lanka 16.Feb.2007 Dear Sir, We wish to bring to your attention a news story on the website http://www.defense.lk on the Free Media Movement that is factually incorrect and grossly […]
FMM strongly condemns minister for advocating violent repression of democratic dissent
(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 […]