| PA
justifies takeover of Media Ministry
The following are statements made by PA leaders in justifying the
takeover of the Media Ministry.
President
Chandrika Kumaratunga (in an address to the nation on Nov. 4)
"I feel urgent corrective action is necessary, namely the Ministry
of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Mass
Communication, which have an immediate impact on the security situation,
while ensuring the media full freedom of expression."
President
Chandrika Kumaratunga (Speaking at a public rally in Hambantota
on Firiday):
'The newspapers have been writing filth about me. The state media
have been carrying programmes every hour criticising me and the
private newspapers are owned by relatives of those in the government.
These are the reasons that compelled me to take over the Media (Mass
Communication Ministry).
Presidential
Advisor Lakshman Kadirgamar (At a PA news conference on Nov 5):
The Defence portfolio is absolutely vital to the security of the
country. Interior also goes with defence to maintain law and order.
The Media has this particular problem. On occasions if the media
are mischievously used, they can exacerbate a security situation.
So the media is linked with the other two to that extent.
PA
spokesman Sarath Amunugama (At a PA news conference on Nov. 12):
Taking over the media was an ethical issue. As we all know, there
is a centralised media mafia under the UNF who were controlling
the state media from outside.
On state radio and TV, instructions had been given not to play songs
on Sinhala nationalism and also not to use the words such as Sinhala
Jathiya.
There were also plans to start a blue film channel from 12 midnight
on national TV.
Western
Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray (In a political discussion
telecast over Swarnavahini on Nov. 11)
"The media is owned by relatives of Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Take for instance, the Wijeya Group is owned by Ranil's uncle. The
editors and reporters do not have the freedom. It is the freedom
of the owners who own the press. This is the reason that led to
the takeover of the Media Ministry".
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