Government censors BBC Sinhala and Tamil programme

 
Government controlled Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) censored the BBC Sinhala and Tamil service programmes broadcasted on 27th November 2008. Sections of the programme on LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran’s “Hero’s Day” speech and Defence Watch press conference were censored making them inaudible to listeners. Defence Watch is headed by former Foreign Minster Mangala Samaraweera, and [...]

The film LEADER censored by the authorities

Five media collective condemns the suspension of the film “Leader” for general distribution by Public Performance Board (PFB). The film was directed by popular actor and opposition politician Mr. Ranjan Ramanayaka. He plays the main role in the film.
The film portrays a satirical parody of Sri Lankan politics, bribery and corruption. It begins with a [...]

PPB demand to censor parts of ‘Leader’ is unfair: Ranjan

   
By Shifani Reffai
(27th Nov DM)
Popular actor and film director Ranjan Ramanayake said the Public Performance Board’s demand that parts of his controversial movie Leader be censored is unfair and impinges his freedom of artistic expression as a Director of movies.
The star who often plays a main role in the movies he directs was accompanied by [...]

Threats Increase Concerns for Detained Media Worker and Family in Sri Lanka – IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) holds grave fears for the safety of detained Tamil media worker N. Jesiharan and his family in Sri Lanka after the family received threats and demands for ransom in return for Jesiharan’s safety while in detention.

The IFJ appeals to Sri Lanka’s Minister for Human Rights and Disaster Management, [...]

Journalist Jasiharan’s family threatened

 
It has been reported to FMM that an unidentified caller has threatened the family of Jaseeharan (also spelt Jasiharan).
Jasikaran is the journalist/manager who was arrested along with journalist Tissainayagam under the Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The family has received three threatening phone calls on 25th and 26th November.  They live in a remote village [...]

Journalist Released from Detention in Sri Lanka – IFJ

 
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is relieved to report the release from detention of A.R. Vanna Loshan by Sri Lanka’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on November 22.
According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, the TID handed Loshan over to his parents after eight days in detention without charge under the Prevention [...]

Police spokesman silenced

 
(The Sunada Leader 23rd Nov)
An enjoining order was issued by the Colombo District Court on Friday on Police Media Spokesperson SSP Ranjith Gunasekera preventing him from making defamatory statements against the MTV channel.
District Judge Sisira Ratnayake had made the order following a civil suit filed by the television station claiming Rs. 100 million as damages [...]

Journalist Vaama Loshan released

 
Mr. A.R.Vaama Loshan (32) General Manager of Tamil language Radio station’ Vettri FM Radio who was arrested by the Terrorism Investigations Division (TID) on 14th Nov 2008 was released on 22nd morning.  He was handed over to his parents by the TID.
FMM thanks all local and international organisations that supported the campaign for the release [...]

Authorities assure the physical safety of Tissainayagam in Magazine Prison

 
The Free Media Movement (FMM) would like note that Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights, the Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, M.P. has assured that the physical safety of journalist J.S. Tissainayagam will be looked after, and that some steps have already been taken in this regard. Two representatives of the Ministry had visited him in [...]

Tissainayagam Moved to magazine Prison in Sri Lanka

 
In a letter sent to Minister for Human Rights and Disaster Management Mahinda Samarasinghe today, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demanded an immediate explanation for the sudden relocation of journalist J.S. Tissainayagam to a notoriously violent army prison in Sri Lanka.
According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, Tissainayagam, who is currently [...]