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 provides opposition viewpoints, other news, and information on the ongoing war.

This act of censorship by SLBC authorities is a clear violation of the people’s right to information and is an interference with the democratic entitlement to the free exchange and contest of alternative perspectives on a key issue of public policy. War is one of the major issues that affect lives of all Sri Lankans, who have a right to obtain news and information on war from different perspectives. The Five Media Collective condemns this act of censorship in the strongest possible terms.

BBC local language programmes are transmitted through SLBC under an agreement between the two institutions. BCC pays nearly 40 million Sri Lankan rupees annually to SLBC for this facility.

According to our information, this censorship was deliberately put in place by the authorities of SLBC and is not an accident. On a number of previous occasions also, the the same method has been used to block certain sections of BBC Sinhala and Tamil programmes. 

The SLBC is an institution which was established as a public service radio broadcast institution. Even today is it supported by public funding. Unfortunately, however, the SLBC has been reduced to a mouthpiece for the ruling party, where no editorial freedom or media ethics are respected. Transforming the SLBC, and its television counterparts such as the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation into genuinely pubic service broadcasters is one of the key challenges in democratising the media landscape in Sri Lanka. 

Independent war reporting is virtually nonexistent in Sri Lanka today.  For instance, none of the Sri Lanka electronic media covered the speech by the LTTE leader. Figures of war causalities are a closely guarded secret of both sides. In such a situation, it is natural that many Sri Lankans would have tune in to external sources such as the BBC local language services to get information on LTTE leader’s speech. Although the BBC local language programmes, reports of Defense Watch, as well as the LTTE leader’s speech are available online, this censorship affects the the vast majority of Sri Lankans who are not connected to the internet.

On several occasions in recent times, Sri Lankan authorities blocked SUN TV news channel in an effort to censor antiwar / pro-Tamil agitations taking place in Tamil Nadu. SUN TV is based in TamilNadu.  According to magazine distributors, the last issue of Ananda Vigadan, a Tamil magazine printed in Tamil Nadu, also has not been released in Sri Lanka because of some critical content concerning the present Sri Lankan administration. 

All these acts of censorship take away Sri Lankan people’s right to information and ability to make informed judgments on matters affecting their lives. While condemning these acts of censorship, the Five Media Collective demands that the Sri Lankan authorities desist from censoring war-related reporting and  to respect the peoples’ right to information .

 Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA)

Federation of Media Employees Trade Union (FMETU)

 Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists Alliance (SLTJA)

 Sri Lanka  Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF)

Free Media Movement (FMM)

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 comical musical of scandals and politicians, with characters resembling popular political leaders dancing and singing. The song says this is ‘comedy country’. This clip is among the number of other clips that has been ordered to remove by the Public Performance Board.

According to the director Ranjan Ramanayake censoring the scenes ordered by Public Performance Board not only suppress of artistic freedom but will disturb the continuity of the movie, making it meaningless. The film script and all scenes of the film were approved by the chairman of the PFB earlier, according to the director.

In our opinion censoring the Film Leader is a one more step in the direction of suppression of artistic freedom in Sri Lanka. Number of films and tele dramas has been banned officially and unofficially during the last three years, mainly on political grounds.

Political satire has been the theme for many film makers and dramatists all over the world. Lampooning authorities is part of the artistic creations form ancient times.  These are rights enjoyed by the people for ages and enshrined in all human rights charters.

In this context five media collective urges the PFB to revive its decision to censor the film Leader and permit the film for public screening.

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 producer of Leader, Bevan Perera, in his declaration against movie censorship at a press conference held at the Holiday Inn yesterday (26). The movie has been the subject of controversy as it portrays a satirical parody of Sri Lankan politics, bribery and corruption. The movie begins with a comical parody musical of VAT scandals and politicians, with characters resembling popular political leaders dancing and singing to a cynical view of Sri Lanka’s poor political and moral structure referred to as a ‘comedy country’. This clip has particularly been ordered by the Public Performance Board to be censored from the general distributed version of the movie.

“World renowned movies such as W. and Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 were aimed at exposing the truth about American politics, but they were not censored for doing so. Instead, they were glorified and some were even considered for the Cannes Film Festival,” said Ramanayake, Director of previously popular movies Parliament Jokes and One Shot One.

Additional clips that were to be censored were aired at the press conference, while Ramanayake explained that censoring these scenes not only abused artistic freedom but altogether disturbed the continuity  of the movie.

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, Mahinda Samarasinghe, to honour a commitment he made to assure Jesiharan of protection while in custody.

Jesiharan is currently on trial on charges laid under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

According to the Free Media Movement (FMM), an IFJ affiliate, Jesiharan’s family in a remote village in the volatile Batticoloa District, in Sri Lanka’s east, reported receiving three threatening phone calls on November 25 and 26. The caller demanded a ransom of Rs100,000 (about $US920) to keep Jesiharan alive, the FMM reports.

The family lodged a complaint with the Kalavanchikudi police station. However, the duty police officer told the FMM the police could not take action because the caller’s number could not be identified.

Jesiharan, the owner of E-Kwality Printers, and his partner Valarmathi were detained by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lankan police in March, along with senior Tamil journalist J.S. Tissainayagam.

After being held for more than 150 days without charge, all three were indicted on August 25 under the PTA, and are now on trial. The charges refer to the content of Tissainayagam’s journalistic work.

Jesiharan and Tissainayagam were unexpectedly moved from a remand prison to the notoriously violent Magazine Prison in Colombo following a visit from Samarasinghe on November 17. Samarasinghe had promised to improve their conditions of detention.

After local and international press freedom groups expressed extreme concern about the move, two representatives from the Human Rights and Disaster Management Ministry reportedly visited the two men in prison and confirmed that they were not being held with other prisoners.

“The threats made to Jesiharan’s family make it even more imperative that Sri Lanka’s Government and authorities fulfill their responsibility to ensure no harm comes to Jesiharan, Valarmathi and Tissainayagam, nor to their families” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

The IFJ joins the FMM in calling on Minister Samarasinghe to increase security for all three, and to investigate fully the threats against Jesiharan’s family and to ensure the perpetrator of the threats is brought to justice.

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 in Batticoloa District, in the volatile East of Sri Lanka. The caller has been demanding a ransom of Rs. 100,000 to ensure Jasikaran’s safety in the prison.

The caller has threatened the family that Jasikaran will be killed if the ransom is not paid within three days.

A member of Jasikaran’s family has made a complaint regarding these telephone threats to Kalavanchikudi police station in Batticoloa district.  When FMM contacted the police station, the duty officer indicated they were unable to take any action, as there was no identified number of the caller.

Jasikaran and Tissainayagam were arrested  in early March 2208. Also, J Jasikaran’s fiancé was also arrested at the same time.

 The family is currently living in fear for their own life and also the life of Jasikaran.

 FMM urges authorities to immediately investigate these threats and provide increased security to Jasikaran in prison, and ensure the safety of his family in their remote village in Batticoloa.

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 of Terrorism Act (PTA). The TID reportedly gave no reason for Loshan’s detention or release. 

Loshan, the general manager Vettri FM radio station, has worked as a radio journalist for almost 10 years and took up his post at the Tamil-language station in early 2008.

“The release of A.R. Vanna Loshan provides a glimmer of hope for Sri Lanka’s independent media that the draconian PTA and Emergency Regulations will not be used systemically in an effort to silence critics,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

“The IFJ stands by its principles that freedom of expression is a universally recognised human right, and anti-terror laws must not be wielded as a weapon to quash that right.”

Loshan’s release is welcome news to Sri Lanka’s media and press freedom community, who continue to fight for the unconditional release of senior Tamil journalist J.S. Tissainyagam and printing press owners N. Jesiharan and his partner Valamarthi.

On March 7 and 8, TID officials arrested Tissainayagam, Jesiharan and Valarmathi under the PTA. The three were held without charge for more than five months until formal indictments under the PTA were issued in August.

Court proceedings against the three are currently under way.

The IFJ joins the FMM and local organisations in acknowledging international advocacy for the release of Loshan and in urging continued concerted action to demand that the rights of Tissainayagam and his colleagues be upheld, including their right to justice and protection while in custody.

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 from SSP Gunasekera.

MTV Channel Private Limited in its plaint had complained that SSP Gunasekara had been issuing malicious and defamatory statements against the respective media organisation and sending letters to the Chief Justice, Media Minister, IGP, Media Centre for National Security, Press Complaint Commission, other media institutions and all the police stations to be displayed in their notice boards in official letterheads of the Police Department.

Counsel Romesh de Silva PC, appearing for the plaintiff had told court that issuing such statements using police letterheads was not a duty assigned to the Police Media Spokesperson and that it was illegal and unlawful. MTV Channel had told court that SSP Gunasekara had issued several letters criticising media personnel and media reports telecast over the channel’s news segments and alleged that it was done deliberately to create a bad impression among the general public and to destroy its reputation.

The channel had further requested for an order preventing SSP Gunasekara from making any defamatory statements and a declaration that the defendant has no right to make any defamatory statement against MTV channel Private Limited.

Romesh de Silva PC with Attorneys Sugath Caldera and Eraj de Silva appeared for the plaintiff.

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 of Vaama Loshan.

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 the prison 20th (yesterday) morning. 

21st Nov 2008

FMM and the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) also visited Mr. Tissainayagam at the Magazine Prison this afternoon along with two diplomats. Prison authorities assured that Tamil prisoners, including journalists Tissainayagam and Jaseeharan, are already separated from other prisoners. A number of international organisations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have sent urgent letters of concern to the Minister  for Human Rights, and diplomatic community have conveyed their concerns as well.

FMM hopes that the assurances given and promises made by all relevant authorities including the Hon. Minister will be kept, and that basic humanitarian standards will be ensured during the detention of Tissainayagam and Jeseeharan.

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 facing trial under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Emergency Regulations, was moved from a remand prison to Magazine Prison in Colombo following a visit from the Minister, Mahinda Samarasinghe, on November 17.

The Minister reportedly agreed at the meeting to improve the conditions of Tissainayagam’s detention, the FMM reports. 

The IFJ expressed its extreme concerned for the safety and well-being of the senior Tamil journalist. Tissainayagam nor his lawyers, who appeared in the courts on November 18, were made aware of the relocation to Sri Lanka’s largest prison.

Reports have been received that his food has been confiscated by some of the 140 prisoners sharing his cell. No other food has been provided.

 “The IFJ demands an immediate explanation for Tissainayagam’s transfer and a government guarantee of his safety,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

“The manner in which Tissainayagam has been arrested, detained without charge, indicted under draconian laws and imprisoned in appalling conditions is a gross abuse of his fundamental human right to justice.

“Tissainayagam’s safety is now at even more serious risk than it was before his transferral to Magazine. It is the responsibility of the Sri Lankan Government to abide by internationally endorsed norms of justice to protect him from violence and torture while he is held in custody.”

Tissainayagam has been held since he was arrested on March 7 by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lankan Police. He was detained without charge for more than 150 days.

On August 25, Tissainayagam was charged under Emergency Regulations and the PTA, accused of printing and distributing the North Eastern Monthly magazine and aiding and abetting terrorist organisations by raising money for the magazine. His trial is presently before the High Court in Colombo.