Comments on: Black January: Ceaseless media suppression in Sri Lanka, with total impunity

By: oopla

oopla — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:58:28 +0000

well done

By: Real_Peace

Real_Peace — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:36:34 +0000

Can you or one of the readers please recommend any

1. independent Video documentary on MEDIA Freedom in Sri Lanka? I heard about “Silenced Voices” with Sonali Samarasinghe (wife of the late Lasantha Wickramatunga)directed by Beate Arnested. Are there others?

2. reasonably unbiased BOOK(s) on the root causes of lack of Media Freedom or ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka?

Thanks.

By: Real_Peace

Real_Peace — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:26:35 +0000

Brilliantly documented, Groundviews!

May the current generation bring Dharma(m) into Sri Lanka!

By: Sarath Fernando

Sarath Fernando — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:42:04 +0000

“What follows is an incomplete list of attacks on media and journalists that took place in the month of January since 2005. Not a single case of killing, assault or arson listed here has been investigated to completion nor have the culprits been brought to book.”

With respect to the author’s explicit observation, if not condemnation above, could we ask the IGP to comment as to
(a) whether these incidences were indeed reported to the police,
(b) whether they fall ultimately within his responsibility (in the tradition of “the buck stops here”), and if so,
(c) the reason behind the inability to have even one of these culprits brought to book.

Certainly, like most of us, I could dejectedly dismiss these as “obviously politically protected” events and thus not hold the IGP responsible. However, I think holding the legally responsible party’s feet to the fire publicly would be a good start — after all, it is our taxes that pays the IGP!

By: Nithyananthan

Nithyananthan — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:32:20 +0000

In reply to Sharnelle. So inspired to endorse wholeheartedly! Thanks, Nithy!

By: kali

kali — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:16:25 +0000

Freedom of expression is an inherent part of a civilised society and a mature democracy.
But Sri Lanka is neither and I am afraid what we have in Sri Lanka is mob rule enforced by MRs thugs and change is not going to come from within as people are too frightened to do anything to change it for fear of reprisals.
Where else in the modern and civilsed world other than countries like Zimbabwe and the like would you find Supreme Court Judges being threatened with sticks and knives sadly only in Sri Lanka.
Media freedom is trampled on and the gifted and briliant writer like Lasantha paid a heavy price with his life and Sri Lankas claim to being a modern and civilsed world is frankly laughable.
The world is watching and we are seeing signs of actions being taken to check the excesses of MR and his clan and their days are numbered.

By: Sharnelle

Sharnelle — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:06:44 +0000

This list is truly outstanding. It would be a difficult feat to find a better or more comprehensive list – if one even exists. Articles of this nature are so important as they represent not only the past but they set a precedent for what should never be forgotten or be allowed to continue in the future.

By: Pasel

Pasel — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 20:14:33 +0000

Sri Lanka famous for black months For Media >>>>>>> Black January For Tamils >>>>>>>Black July We don't know how many more to come?