Manning Mafia?

By Shezna Shums

The Manning Market will not allow independent journalists or photographers to speak with any of the traders or take photographs of the market.

The Manning Market Traders Association insists that any media personnel should obtain permission from the Colombo Municipal Council Commissioner’s Office if they want to speak with any of the private traders in the market.

Previously media personnel could freely speak with the traders as well as take photographs whenever needed and even the natamis could be interviewed.

When Daily FT’s journalist and photojournalist visited Manning Market yesterday to speak to stall holders and consumers as well as update the price list of vegetables and dry rations, they were reprimanded and told to get permission before interviewing anyone within the complex.

Furthermore, the Manning Market Traders Association also said that even if the journalists and photographers had CMC permission, they would only be allowed to speak to the traders that the association allows them to speak to.

Whatever photographs or issues regarding the Manning Market are to be reported, the Association stated that they would have to authorise who we are to speak to, the pictures we are to take and the issues that are to be reported from the Manning Market.

The Association which appears to be politically inclined to the current regime judging by pictures of top VVIPs adorning its office claimed that in the recent past some media outlets have misreported hence the new rule.

Observers lamented that Manning Market which should epitomise free market practices however chooses to be restrictive to the Fourth Estate and political influence has enabled them to brandish mafia-type powers.

The Manning Market will not allow independent journalists or photographers to speak with any of the traders or take photographs of the market.

The Manning Market Traders Association insists that any media personnel should obtain permission from the Colombo Municipal Council Commissioner’s Office if they want to speak with any of the private traders in the market.

Previously media personnel could freely speak with the traders as well as take photographs whenever needed and even the natamis could be interviewed.

When Daily FT’s journalist and photojournalist visited Manning Market yesterday to speak to stall holders and consumers as well as update the price list of vegetables and dry rations, they were reprimanded and told to get permission before interviewing anyone within the complex.

Furthermore, the Manning Market Traders Association also said that even if the journalists and photographers had CMC permission, they would only be allowed to speak to the traders that the association allows them to speak to.

Whatever photographs or issues regarding the Manning Market are to be reported, the Association stated that they would have to authorise who we are to speak to, the pictures we are to take and the issues that are to be reported from the Manning Market.

The Association which appears to be politically inclined to the current regime judging by pictures of top VVIPs adorning its office claimed that in the recent past some media outlets have misreported hence the new rule.

Observers lamented that Manning Market which should epitomise free market practices however chooses to be restrictive to the Fourth Estate and political influence has enabled them to brandish mafia-type powers.