Systematic repression of media continues to harm SL’s HR record: Prof. G.L. Peiris

•  Claims Govt. determined to go ahead with new media legislation despite opposition 
•  Accuses Ministers of misleading the public by claiming the proposed legislation is merely a list of proposals
•  Accuses Govt. of launching a systematic and malicious plan to suppress the media to curb possible uprising of people 
•  Promises to defeat Govt. efforts to enact the legislation by challenging it before the courts 

FPC member MP Prof. G.L. Peiris

Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) member MP Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday said the Government is determined to completely annihilate the freedom of media in the country by introducing the Broadcast Authorities Act. 

Peiris told the media that the Government is proving to be inflexible and has expressed its intention to forge ahead with enacting the new legislation. “The President in a recent speech at an event in Homagama confirmed this,” he said. 

Peiris stated that despite the assertions made by Government ministers that the proposed legislation is simply a collection of proposals, the term “Act” is consistently mentioned throughout the draft. He accused the ministers of dishonesty and argued that the presented draft is not merely a list of proposals, contrary to their claims.

The MP accused the Government of launching a systematic and malicious plan to suppress the media. “It is evident the matter will be focused on at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva which have now commenced. It will be unavoidable,” Peiris opined. 

According to the MP, the Government’s latest move will only further harm Sri Lanka’s image and human rights record. “It will be yet another black mark. This is an unfortunate situation,” he said.   Peiris said despite the harm the legislation may cause to the country’s image internationally, the Government is determined to enact it in fears of an imminent uprising of the people due to the Government’s decision to restructure domestic debt which in turn will lead to the devaluation of the people’s employees provident fund monies. 

The MP said the results will be disastrous and therefore the Government is attempting to implement a powerful mechanism to curb a possible uprising. “The new legislation is part of that mechanism,” he said. 

Peiris said the Opposition will defeat the move and will take all steps necessary including challenging the legislation before the courts.