Articles by Free Media Movement
Journalists attacked by party’s followers
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: FMM expresses its deepest regret over an attack on a television news crew during an election meeting of Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), which has become the political party of Buddhist monks. FMM extends an urgent request to the JHU’s leading monks to put an end to […]
FMM condemns ongoing manipulation of state media
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Biased Conduct of State Media The FMM condemns the ongoing use and manipulation of the state media as communications organs for the President’s political party, even after the date for a snap general election was announced. The state media were taken over on 3 November 2003. […]
FMM welcomes prime minister’s proposals regarding state media
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 4 February 2004 FMM press release: FMM welcomes PM’s proposals regarding state media The Free Media Movement welcomes the latest proposals submitted to the co-habitation discussions on behalf of Prime Minister Ranil Wikramasingha on transforming state media into independent institutions. The organisation greets the proposals with the same enthusiasm […]
Freelance journalist faces threats and legal action from extremist group
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 22 January 2004 FMM press release: Threats to a journalist on religious grounds The Free Media Movement condemns attempts by extremist groups to attack a well-known political columnist and freelance journalist. Upul Joseph Fernando has been accused of writing a defamatory leaflet against Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Mr. Fernando […]
“Sunday Observer” reporter harassed, FMM criticises Lake House journalist’s behaviour
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: The Free Media Movement (FMM) condemns as a serious threat to media freedom two recent developments within the Lake House Group and the behaviour of its new management, which was appointed after the group was taken over by Sri Lanka’s president. The concerns relate firstly to […]
Journalist threatened
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 6 January 2004 FMM press release: Jaffna journalist Veluppillai Thavachelvam faces repeated threats FMM vehemently condemns the ongoing hostility by the Sri Lankan army in Jaffna towards Jaffna-based, Tamil-language journalist Veluppillai Thavachelvam. Thavachelvam is a leading local correspondent for Sri Lankan and international Tamil media and the president of […]
FMM objects to newly formed presidential task force on media freedom
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an 18 December 2003 FMM press release: Presidential Task Force on Media Freedom On 16 December 2003, the President of Sri Lanka appointed a task force on media freedom. The task force includes academics, politicians and a few print media journalists, but does not include any women or electronic media […]
FMM condemns ban on government advertising in state media
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is a 15 December 2003 FMM press release: On ban of government advertising in state media FMM condemns the United National Front (UNF) government’s cabinet decision to ban the allocation of state sector advertising in state media that is under the president. By this decision, the government has once again shown […]