US reveals of its concern over anti-US propaganda in Sri Lanka
Colombo, 20 February, (Asiantribune.com):
The US Ambassador in Sri Lanka has expressed her concern about that reports inimical to the bilateral relationship carried by some sections of the Sri Lanka media.
In the meantime, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister has pointed out of the misinformation concerning alleged moves involving the United States, aimed at undermining the leadership of President Rajapaksa, and destabilising his Government
US Ambassador Ms. Patricia Butenis when she met Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama pointed out that United States maintains that no room should be left for the creation of impressions that this reportage has any support extended by official sources.
This was one of the issues the US Ambassador in Colombo took up the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister when she met the Minister on last 18th February at Foreign Ministry, in Colombo.
A press statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Ministry, revealed that “In response, Minister Bogollagama pointed out the vibrant free media culture prevalent in Sri Lanka which leads to a wide range of reportage.”
According to the press statement, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister further referred to the amity and goodwill inherent in the longstanding Sri Lanka-US bilateral relationship.
He further said that Sri Lankan authorities do not give any credence to the palpable misinformation concerning alleged moves involving the United States, aimed at undermining the leadership of President Rajapaksa, and destabilizing his Government.
The Foreign Minister also went on to affirm that Sri Lanka values the economic and political assistance afforded by the United States over the past several decades, for the development of the country.
He recalled in this regard the proscription of the LTTE in the United States, as well as the landmark signing in March 2007 of an ACSA (Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement) between the two countries.
He affirmed that Sri Lanka looks forward to further consolidating its multi-faceted relationship with the United States in the years ahead.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
What no free media? Sounds
<<"US Ambassador Ms. Patricia Butenis when she met Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama pointed out that United States maintains that no room should be left for the creation of impressions that this reportage has any support extended by official sources."
>>
What no free media?
Sounds like they are dictating what can or cannot be supported by the Government either.
Boggles is an idioit.
A clever statement would have enabled SL to wriggle out of what they are accusing SL of (what don't they like a little criticism?) while at the same time maintain it AND emphasise free media being strong etc etc.
Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama's
Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama's diplomatic approach is the right course of action at this time.
Most of the US assistance is with the strings attached.
This is another reason why SriLanka should work hard towards the finacial independance.
Several decades ago India was on this situation.
As long as the SriLankan political slaves(those who quick to run to their western masters at the onset of a problem) are subdued this country will prosper.
What US Ambassador Butenis
What US Ambassador Butenis states is that there should be no suggestion, overt or covert, that the Sri Lankan govt agrees with the misinformed and incorrect reports in the Sri Lankan media, etc. She is NOT suggesting that the govt muzzle the press. That is a ridiculous conclusion.
For some reason, I am unable to see the article in question, that should be above, as I type this. However, I think there is a reference in the article to the press in Sri Lanka enjoying freedom, etc. My foot. How many journalists have been assaulted or killed in Sri Lanka in recent times. And the respected international publication, the "Economist", reports in a very recent edition, that to pay-back Prez Rajapakse's election time critics, journalists have been assaulted, threatened and arrested. Thus what exactly is Minister Bogollogama speaking about when he refers to press freedom in Sri Lanka?
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