Media reforms

FMM calls for support

The Free Media Movement (FMM) has called both government and opposition parliamentarians to support a motion which calls for reformation of media laws.

The FMM also thanked all MPs including the late Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam who supported bringing the motion to Parliament.

In a statement, the FMM says:"The Free Media Movement wholeheartedly welcomes the motion on 'Necessity of Reformation of Media Laws in the Country', which will be taken up for debate in Parliament soon.

Freedom of Speech and of the Media is a fundamental requirement in a democratic society.

The Media has to play an independent and responsible role in disseminating accurate information without fear or favour, on issues of public interest.

It has been acknowledged that Media Laws in the country are in need of reformation. A Government appointed Committee headed by Mr. R.K.W. Goonasekara called for changes in the existing law in keeping with international obligations imposed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Free Media Movement extends its sincere thanks to all those Members of Parliament, of diverse political parties, who were responsible for presenting this motion for Media Reforms.

We take this opportunity to express our deep shock at the tragic killing of Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam by a suicide bomber on Thursday morning (July 29).

We are grateful to Dr. Tiruchelvam for his role in obtaining the signature of the TULF for this motion and his support in the Parliamentary Select Committee.

The Free Media Movement urges all Parliamentarians, both Government and Opposition, to support this motion, for the benefit of the country and the democratic rights of its people."

No camera, no coverage

Yukthiya newspaper has told the government that it would not cover any of the presidential ceremonies until its cameras grabbed and smashed allegedly by the personnel of the Presidential Security Division during the July 15 demonstration are returned in good condition.

Responding to an invitation to cover two presidential events, the newspaper's Acting Editor, C. J. Amaratunga writing to Information Chief Ariya Rubesinghe said: "The camera equipment of our photographer was grabbed by the mobs believed to be from the PSD when we were covering the UNP demonstration on July 15 and we could cover the assignments only if the equipment is returned."

Sanath innocent, says police

Explaining its role in the Channel 9 probe,the police issued an unsigned statement through the Information Department. Following are extracts:

On May 21, 1999 Sanath Gunetilleke, Media Advisor to President Kumaratunga wrote a letter to this office stating that his name had been improperly used by certain newspapers with regard to a transaction which is alleged to have occurred between Ravi Wettasinghe and Lakshman Hulugalle. Mr. Gunetilleke, requested that a full investigation be conducted to ascertain the truth of this matter.

Subsequent to Mr. Gunatilleke's complaint to Police Headquarters, the Criminal Investigation Department commenced investigations. The following facts have been elucidated by the investigation: On June 10, Ravi Wettasinghe when questioned made a complaint of cheating against Lakshman Hulugalle. Mr. Wettasinghe claimed Mr. Hulugalle had defrauded him of 50,000 Sterling Pounds claiming it would be given to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Fund.

This complaint was investigated by the CID It has been established that Mr. Wettasinghe had transferred 50,000 Sterling Pounds from a bank account in London to the personal account of Lakshman Hulugalle at the Bank of Ceylon, Colombo in December 1998 and January 1999.

It was found that Mr. Hulugalle had employed dubious methods to elicit this money from Mr. Wettasinghe. For example, Mr. Hulugalle introduced two persons to Mr. Wettasinghe, who Mr. Hulugalle claimed were a peon working in the President's office and a police officer attached to the Presidential Security Division at Temple Trees. It has since been established that these individuals were imposters, neither individual ever having been employed in the capacities that Mr. Hulugalle had claimed.

During the investigation, Mr. Hulugalle alleged the money he took from Mr. Wettasinghe was handed over to Sanath Gunetilleke.The evidence recorded has revealed that a fraud amounting to Rs. 50 million has been perpetrated by Mr. Hulugalle. There is no evidence whatsoever of any involvement of Sanath Gunetilleke.

The CID in the course of its investigation therefore had reason to arrest Mr. Hulugalle and produce him before the Magistrate of Colombo. He was subsequently released on bail.

Another man, another script

Channel 9 Chairman Siva Guruparam scoffs at allegations of bribery and corruption

By Chamila Jayaweera

In the midst of charges and counter charges surrounding the controversial Channel 9 deal its Chairman Siva Guruparam and Managing Director Gamini Rajanayake, both facing allegations of corruption and bribery unfold yet another script. In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times they say the accusations levelled against them are false.

Q. Mr. Gurupuram could you explain your connections with Sanath Gunetilleke and his involvement in relation to Channel 9?

A:The only connection I have with Mr.Gunetilleke is one of friendship. I first met Sanath when he acted in a Sinhalese film I produced, and the only reason he was interested in Channel 9 was because of his connection with the Sinhala film industry. He realised that by our promoting Sinhala films and teledramas on Channel 9, we could give at least 5,000 new jobs in the film industry for those struggling for work and parts.

Q.There is a serious allegation that a bribe was given to Mr. Gunetillake to obtain the licence. What is your response?

A: Why would we have to give any bribes? In the first place, the government should be bribing us, since, they are the ones who would be benefitting from the deal. No, we did not give him any bribes. If you question Minister Dharmasiri Senanayake who was the minister from whom we applied for the license at the time, and ask him if we tried to influence him through Sanath, he will tell you otherwise.

Q:What about the claims that a discussion took place with the Australian investor, where Mr. Gunetilleke was also present?

A:Any discussions I have had when I met Sanath has taken place in open places like the lobby of a hotel. I can't be expected to avoid him merely because he is the Media Advisor to the President, can I? However, I also have no memory of such a meeting as you refer to, and I have a good memory.

Q. What about allegations concerning the President?

A: There are allegations that the President wanted to control the TV station through Mr. Gunetilleke. If anyone gives me program material of any sort, then I will support it. However, if I tried to tell the foreign operators whom to support and whom to take orders from I am sure they would tell me to run my own station myself. The only mistake the President ever made, which as a result got her involved in this mess, was to meet with us and the Australian investor when he came down to visit.

Nicholas Whitlam, the investor, only decided to undertake this massive venture concerning Channel 9, because of his long standing relationship with the President. They had known each other since her college days in Paris, when he was in England and he has a lot of respect for her vision and plans for the future. It was also due to this relationship that he wanted to meet her when he came down again.

There are also claims that the President is a shareholder of the company. However, as a businessman, I trust nobody. In my own company Summit Media, I own 51% of the shares and my wife and uncle own the rest. So you see, why would I want anyone else to be a shareholder when I don't trust anybody?

Q. If you claim that these allegations are indeed false, then are you going to take any action against the media personnel who have levelled them at you?

A:The certain media organization that I am referring to has given me a bad image, by publishing all sorts of rumours. Since I am an Australian citizen, my lawyers are in Australia and I have handed all the relevant documents and newspaper reports to them. Once everything is figured out, I will decide what to do.

Q. You claimed at Thursday's Press conference that the tape played in Parliament in which Mr. Gunetilleke's voice was heard was a fake. What are you doing to prove this point?

A: I am not going to do anything about it at all. All I say is this. If you ask any technician in a station, if the manufacture of such a tape is possible, I am sure he will tell you exactly how to do it. Also there are lots of samples of Sanath's voice available from films he has acted in, as well as people who do voice overs for him, and getting such a sample shouldn't be a problem for anyone who wanted to do so. I was ashamed and embarrassed, especially for the President, when the tape was played in Parliament, because she has no connection with this at all, and I won't stoop to anyone else's level to try and prove myself.

Q.What can you say about Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle's connection with Channel 9?

A: He wanted this project to succeed badly, and he never asked for any monetary benefits. What he wanted though was a good portion of the company itself, but there was no way I would ever make him a Director. Mr. Hulugalle is also convinced that Mr. Gunetilleke influenced Gamini Rajanayake and chased him out from the company.

Gamini Rajanayake: It seems he had given everyone the impression that he was the main man behind Channel 9, but the fact of the matter was he rarely even came to work.

Siva Guruparam:Even now, when people hear the name Channel 9, they say two names jump to mind. That of Lakshman Hullugalle and Sanath Gunetilleke. That must be another Channel 9!

Right of reply

Lakshman Hulugalle writes

My attention is drawn to a statement made by Sanath Gunetilleke, the Media Advisor to The President published in your esteemed newspaper on Sunday, July 18, wherein there were references to me in relation to the CHANNEL 9 controversy. Since there were several inaccuracies and distortions in Mr. Gunetilleke's statement, I seek your indulgence to publish my response thereto.

Let me at the outset place on record that Mr. Gunetilleke was very much involved in the CHANNEL 9 business venture as a sleeping partner with me. For Sanath Gunathilake to now say he had no direct involvement in the CHANNEL 9 business venture is nothing short of dishonesty.

It was after several rounds of discussion with Her Excellency The President, Minister of Trade and Commerce, Kingsley Wickramaratne, Minister of Post and Telecommunication, Mangala Samaraweera and other relevant officials that a licence came to be issued to Gamini Rajanayake's Television and Radio Network on May 30, 1996. It was Mr. Gunetilleke who helped arrange these meetings and indeed he was present at almost every such meeting. It was I who originally brought in the foreign investor, namely, Siva Guruparam from Australia using the good offices of his uncle V. Sivadasan.

After several rounds of discussions with the relevant authorities mentioned above, it was agreed, Mr. Guruparam would float a company in Australia while Mr. Rajanayake would do likewise in Sri Lanka and together these two companies would form a joint venture with BOI approval. That is how CHANNEL 9 came to be.

Subsequently a dispute arose over the composition of the Board of Directors of CHANNEL 9 and it was to settle the issue arising from that dispute that a meeting took place at the residence of Mr. Rajanayake on September 28, 1997.

I admit to taping that discussion. I did so for my future protection, which in the current light has proved to be a prudent course of action to have been followed.

The tape is of nearly one hour duration and I vouch for its authenticity before any forum. Yes, the tape is very incriminating of Mr. Gunetilleke and he has incriminated Her Excellency as well.

I also find it amusing that Mr. Gunetilleke now chooses to question the authenticity of the tape on the basis that I am capable of the foulest of deeds. I can well understand, Mr. Gunetilleke's plight. There is no other option available to him than deny the authenticity of the tape. For he knows only too well, once the authenticity of the tape is established, he is doomed. The day the authenticity of the tape is proved beyond a shadow of doubt is not long in coming. But what is particularly amusing is Mr.Gunetilleke's attempt to denigrate me and cast a doubt on the authenticity of the tape.

I do not wish to comment on the references Mr. Gunetilleke has made to Ravi Wettasinghe transaction since it is a matter before court. I do not wish to be in contempt of court by responding to his unfounded denials on that issue.

My association with Mr. Gunetilleke goes back over 20 years and for him to now cast me in a dubious light is not indictment on me but himself. After all, if such was my character, according to Mr. Gunetilleke, why was it that he frequently visited Temple Trees in my company ? Why is it that he wanted me to transport vegetables for H.E. The President to Temple Trees in my vehicle.? Why is it that he carried a gift for H.E. The President from me ? Why is it that he carried letters and documentation on the LATEC bus project given by me to H.E. The President ? Why is it that he formed a cinema guild with me giving my home address as its official address ? Why is it that he worked on the CHANNEL 9 business venture with me ? The list is endless. Is this the conduct of a man who considers me of having a dubious reputation.

I certainly sympathize with the plight of Mr. Gunetilleke, but as I indicated to him on April 29, 1999, I am not prepared to be a fall guy for the second time in my life. We did business together and Mr. Gunetilleke must be man enough to face the pitfalls without expecting others to carry his burdens all the time.

Radical Umma behind the Purdah

By Winitha Gamage

Breaking barriers set up by customs, but yet holding firm to her Islamic faith, Anjani Umma is on a jihad to eliminate social injustices and evils from society. To achieve this, she has chosen the path of socialist politics spearheaded by the JVP.

The Purdah clad Anjani Umma became the first Muslim woman to be elected to a provincial council — she is a JVP member in the Western Provincial Council.

Born in a village near Kal Eliya in Mirigama, Anjani Umma studied in the village school and became a teacher in the same school. She was in the profession for 20 years. At the time of her entry into politics, she was teaching at Kal Eliya Arabic Girls' School, the only such school in South Asia, where she taught Sinhala and Social Studies. Excerpts from an interview she gave to Sirikatha, a women's magazine published by the Wijeya Group.

Q: What brought you into politics?

A: I am a mother of three: My eldest son is 18, my daughter 16 and the youngest son 13. I feel for all the children of this country the same way I feel for my own. I feel sad when I think of these children because the way things are happening in our society their future is bleak. That's why I left teaching and joined the JVP because I believe it is the only party which has a long-term plan to bring about equality and justice in our country. I believe as a mother, who loves her children and society, I have taken the right decision.

Q: Did your religion or Islamic culture pose a problem for you when you took the decision to enter politics?

A: No. I never shed or shun any of my religious beliefs or practices to enter politics. On the contrary, they had helped me a lot. Several principles in religion that exhort us to do good are giving me an impetus to serve the people. But on certain occasions, I have to compromise on some practices. Look at my dress. I wear hijab or Purdah. I don't want to shed that. Even my party recognises my Islamic identity. But when I mingle with men while doing politics, I have to break certain traditions. In our religion, segregation of sexes is practised. But I feel that in today's context a woman cannot adhere to such restrictions. Women have to work on equal basis with men.

Q: Generally it is believed that women cut a figure in politics only through their political husband or father. They ride on the sympathy vote. Do you also have any such connection?

A: No. My tryst with politics began when I studied political science for the GCE Advanced Level. Like the JVP members, one requires a broad vision and good understanding to enter politics.

More than half the population of this country are women. The important task of shaping the society is largely on the shoulders of mothers. Today a woman cannot confine herself within social restrictions. She has to go beyond these barriers to serve the country and its people. We must think that we all belong to one family. Among us there should be no discrimination on the basis of language, ethnicity or cultural differences. Though we belong to various groups we must be bound by a common Sri Lankan identity. We must build a socio-economic system that would reflect this Sri Lankan identity. The absence of such a system is the root cause of many problems we face today. The JVP, I believe, has that vision.

Q: What are the challenges you faced in your political career?

A: Yes. I encountered some problems. But they were common to any woman in such a situation. But as a woman, especially as a Muslim woman, I have the confidence that I could face any challenges.

Q: As a provincial councillor what are your aims?

A: We are planning to use our privileges for the public interest. We also understand a large portion of the budget is going for recurrent expenditure. This is because the budget was made by the Governor and its officials at a time when the council was dissolved.

To get away to the other side

Stranded in Vavuniya, thousands seek reunion

By Nilika de Silva

More than 2,000 civilians are still left stranded in Vavuniya following the LTTE firing on them when they tried to go along the main supply route to reach their homes in the Wanni.

The attack took place, in- spite of a message to the LTTE from Wanni Commander Lionel Balagalle a few hours before that civilians would be crossing to the the uncleared areas.

The civilians were stranded in Vavuniya town for more than a month after the closure of the main supply route (MSR) during the Operation Rana Gosa IV.

They were given accommodation at welfare centres and provided with meals, but they all said they did not want to end up as refugees and they wanted to go to their homes.

Major General Balagalle said that as a responsible force, the Army could not allow the civilians to cross the danger zone without ensuring their safety.

After three demonstrations by the civilians outside the Government Agent's office, the GA held talks with senior security officers and a decision was taken to allow the crossing at their own risk.

Preparations were also made for each of these people to take back with them parcels of dry rations. Officials said, these parcels comprised nine kilos flour, four kilos sugar, a packet of milk powder, three cakes of soap, six boxes of matches and a bottle of coconut oil.

"It's all upto the gods," said Mariasamini, when asked whether she felt the journey home would be safe. With Mariasamini were her two children aged four and one.

Twenty-seven-year-old Rajasingham Selva, a businessman from Mulankavil, said he had come to Vavuniya town on June 24 and said he wanted to be reunited with his family.

Also keen to join her husband and three children was Yogeswari Krishnalingam (37) who is stranded with her youngest son in Vavuniya.

"We were provided all our meals and accommodation. But I don't know whether my husband and children are alive or dead, so I want to go back," she said.

According to Captain Sajeewa Buddhadhasa, ten private buses, 19 state buses and several lorries packed with these stranded people were leaving the Kachcheri grounds from eight o'clock on Wednesday morning.

No one wanted to stay back. The last lorry that left was overpacked with men and women clinging on to whatever part of the vehicle because they all thought if they missed this vehicle, there would not be another one. It was only after an assurance that there would be another bus that some of them got down.

Vavuniya's Government Agent K. Ganesh said: "These stranded people had no money to pay for the accommodation, they had no clothes, and they had no news of their relatives, therefore their concern was understandable. They had to get back to the places where they lived."

Asked whether it was safe to send these people back, Mr. Ganesh said, "I hope good sense will prevail. I hope and pray that these people will go back to their places without any problem. The people were frustrated and at any cost they wanted to go back."

But hardly had the convoy travelled five miles along the MSR, the LTTE opened fire at them. No one was injured and no one could go to the otherside. They still remain stranded.

Last bell tolls for village schools in remote Kegalle

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

Children of poor farmers and rubber tappers in remote areas of the Kegalle district are facing a bleak future — with schools being closed down or earmarked for closure.

But who ordered the closure is a mystery with education authorities saying no directive was issued to close down any schools.

Due to poverty children in these villages are forced to attend ill-equipped schools but their closure is robbing them of any chance of education.

According to residents, 18 schools have already been closed in the district while four more have been earmarked for closure.

A few weeks ago, when The Sunday Times contacted Prof. Viswa Warnapala, the then deputy education minister, he said he was unaware of any moves to close down the schools. We also spoke to Dr. D.K. Arulpragasam, vice Chairman of the National Education Centre, who said no directives had been issued to close these schools, and if it had happened it was all wrong.

"Instructions have been given to merge schools which are lacking facilities, tutorial staff and students. Schools are not to be closed. It must be a misunderstanding of the directives," he said.

If it is a misunderstanding of the directives, why was the correct position not conveyed to the school authorities, ask parents. They say they believe the schools are being closed as a move to implement the new education reforms.

Schools in Nilwakka, Madeyyawa, Malawita, Arupmulla, Malwatta-Kandebatte, Thallehalpita, Walagama, Udagoda, Grisliya and Karapane in Kegalle and a few schools in Mawanella and Dehiovita have already been closed.

What greeted us when we visited some schools in the areas of Pannila and Deraniyagala in Dehiovita was indeed pathetic.

Dozens of children were making their way to school when we crossed the Panwela bridge to reach the Elawulla Vidyalaya which was closed early this year under the new directives. There it was a building that was once a school now being eaten up by coppice, with cow dung and bird droppings strewn on the floor.

"This is my child's school, preserve it," was the graffiti on a classroom wall.

According to residents of the area, in 1997 there were more than 80 students in the school. Fearing a closure parents who could afford had taken their children out of the school and admitted them elsewhere. It was only those who had no other alternative, who had stayed on in Elawulla Vidyalaya.

Another school we visited was the Amithirigala-North government school which was also closed last year. The school building has been taken over by the nearby pirivena to run a vocational training centre.

Residents said the school had been founded in 1935, and had a rich history. But the standard had deteriorated because of inadequate staff and facilities with the student population dropping to a dismal 20. Finally it was closed down last year.

The Pannila Weerasinghe Vidyalaya is one institution that is facing closure. When we visited the school, an angry principal Lal Raj Wijesinghe said the school was badly under staffed and that his pleas to education authorities had fallen on deaf ears. Driven against the wall, the principal conducts classes with the help of past pupils.

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