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The rights we enjoyed decades ago have disappeared now: FMM
The Free Media Movement (FMM) in a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day yesterday, expressed dismay at the decline of media freedom in the country, but said it remains unwavering in its commitment to press freedom and democracy.
“Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, we are regressing into backwardness; the rights we used to enjoy decades ago are made to disappear day by day. This state of affairs is confirmed by various indexes that measure freedom of expression worldwide,” the FMM said in a statement.
It said that the Impunity Index of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) groups Sri Lanka with the 10 worst offenders. Reporters without Borders 2014 World Press Freedom Report places Sri Lanka at 165 out of 177 countries. According to the 2014 Freedom of the World Report by Freedom House, Sri Lanka scores 76 out of 100 bad marks. According to a number of other indexes like Failed State Index we are competing to be the worst, not to be the best.
“In short, the reality of this frightening picture is that, once freedom of expression is suppressed, all other freedoms too start to shrink,” it said.
The FMM also said that, “As Sri Lanka moves into an era of reconciliation, after a three decade war, the full enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression is essential. Without freedom of expression, there is no space for informed discussions and decision making. For media to play its role qualitatively and quantitatively, the freedom and respect of the media community and the media has to be established.”
FMM Convenor, Sunil Jayasekara, who issued the statement, also saluted all the media and journalists who are committed to and performing their duty towards strengthening human rights and democracy in our country, despite the mounting repression.
| Public petition to mark World Press Freedom Day
A public petition calling for a Right to Information (RTI) and Publication Act, organised by the Action Committee for Media Freedom, will be signed to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 5, at 4 pm, opposite the Fort Railway Station. Address by BASL President The Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) have organised an address by the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Upul Jayasuiryato tomorrow at 4.30 p.m. at Hotel Janaki, on Fife Road, Colombo 5. The address is titled“The Plight of the Media and Democratic Governance.” |