Washington, D.C., 07 March, (Asiantribune.com): At a meeting held yesterday in the Embassy of Sri Lanka with a delegation from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Jaliya Wickramasuriya, the Ambassador for Sri Lanka to the United States, reaffirmed the availability of the media freedom in Sri Lanka. He also encouraged the delegation members to meet with a cross section of journalists actively working in the country to learn firsthand more about the current situation.
"The Government of Sri Lanka is perturbed by unfounded allegations against media," said the Ambassador. "The Government in no way condones or endorses any attacks on journalists. Further, the Embassy would be pleased to facilitate any visits by journalists and arrange meetings with appropriate officials. If formal complaints have been made on any incidents of alleged threats or harassment, the Embassy will pursue them with the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka for appropriate action," the Ambassador said.
During the meeting, the Ambassador stressed that media freedom exists in full force in Sri Lanka and journalists enjoy freedom of reporting and commenting on events in Sri Lanka, subject to limitations constitutionally placed on them as in any other countries. It was pointed out that those who have violated laws in the country have been subjected to arrest and detention under the due legal process that exists in Sri Lanka. Those laws are applicable to journalists as well.
One such example is the issues relating to the arrest and detention of journalist J.S. Tissanayagam. The Ambassador pointed out that a confession made by Tissanayagam has been admitted and the defence has been called for March 20, 2009.
It was noted that due process is observed in all cases of arrest and detention and journalists would go through this process when they are brought to trial.
Concerns were expressed by the delegation that investigations into the incidents pertaining to journalists are taking a long time and the government must expedite this process. It was assured to
the delegation that the investigations have been launched in all these cases and the government will be taking steps to bring these offenders to trial.
On the question of non-disclosure of information, relating to the ongoing investigations, it was pointed out that the magistrate gets periodic reports about the progress of the ongoing investigations. The Ambassador pointed out that complete transparency prevails in regards to journalists, and he is committed to hosting future meetings to iron out any concerns that might arise
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
People - including
People - including journalists - are arrested for one reason or the other. In Sri Lanka there have been instances where doctors,lawyers, other professionals and even members of the clergy have been arrested. Sometimes the allegations were false - sometimes true. But I have seldom seen their colleagues carrying placards and screaming their heads off, protesting against the arrests of any of the above the moment they are arrested.
However whenever a journalist is taken into custody there is a big hue and cry. Some media organization members and human rights activists take to the streets demanding that he be immediatetly released. They become the judge and the jury even before the investigations are completed.
The problem is not at all with expressing concern about the arrests. But the manner in which the protests are carried out. It has now become a joke.
Some months back one of the defenders of the so-called free media told the Al Jazeera television that they were operating from so-called safe houses in Sri Lanka to avoid government repression. But the same man was seen protesting in public outside Lake House against government policy on journbalists! What a farce. It was obvious that the TV interview was aimed at misleading the world on Sri Lanka's media situation. The biggest irony was that this man was an employee of the State-controlled Lake House.
Are journalists sacred cows?
There is no Free Media in
There is no Free Media in this world Nor Free Media Journalists
Media is an industry and Jornalism is a career
Nobody in this world can afford anything FREE
Especially in the Western world Nothing is given free to its people.
This farce has to be addressed efficently
Only in sri lanka Where some of the essentials are given free as far as I have seen afterall travelling the world over.and that is also taken for granted by the members of the public.
The problem in Sri Lanka is that the sri lankans enjoy too much of Freedom and also get away easily.
In countries like Australis you will be fined if you put your shoes on the public transport ,I have seen this myself and heavy penalties for misuse.
In Canada if you put the gabadge in to the wrong bins you will be charged by the municipality
All the Western systmes run with a high penalties.Even if you did not turn up for your doctors appointment you will be fined $50 now in Toronto?
Sri Lanka is the only place on earth that this penalty system does not come into affect.
and Sri lankans take everything for granted sadly and never learn from mistakes no matter what race they are or which community they belong to,North or South
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