The Broadcasters’ Guild of Sri Lanka yesterday said that the relationship between the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the media will help promote cricket and the recent ban imposed on certain media institutions and journalists by the SLC, will indirectly stifle the freedom of the media.
will indirectly stifle the freedom of the media.
The Broadcasters’ Guild of Sri Lanka in a letter to SLC Chairman Shammi Silva barring critical voices is not conducive to a healthy dialogue and indirectly stifles the freedom of the media.
“Constructive criticism, we believe, It is essential for any organization to grow, learn and adapt.It should be seen not as an attack, but as an opportunity to engage in open dialogue, address public concerns and improve operations,” he said.
The Guild said that they are looking forward and expeditious and positive resolution to this matter that aligns with the principles of free speech and the democratic spirit of the country.
“We would also like to remind you that if you fail to consider this request,we as the Broadcasters’ Guild of Sri Lanka, will be compelled to take strong measures against all individuals who act against the media freedom and the best interests of the sport,”the letter said.
The letter reads:We Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Guild of Sri Lanka are writing to you on behalf of all media stations in Sri Lanka to address a pressing matter that has come to our collective attention. Recently it has come to our notice that certain media stations and journalists have been banned from attending the events organized by Sri Lanka Cricket, including press conferences and cricket matches. As we understand it this ban was purportedly implemented in response to certain news items reported or published by certain media stations.
We firmly believe in the principles of free media and open discourse. Such principles form the foundation of our democratic society and are a key factor in maintaining transparency and accountability in any institution.
Free Media is often considered as the Fourth pillar of democracy, the other three being the executive, legislature and judiciary. Free Media plays an important role in maintaining checks and balances, which is an important requirement in a democratic society. In this respect, the role of a robust and independent media cannot be overstated.
As you are aware, freedom of speech is a constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the right to Information is also another constitutionally guaranteed right for which there are specific enforcement mechanism are now in place. We also wish to bring to your attention that in MM Nibras Mansoor vs Sri Lanka Cricket (RTIC Appeal 620018) the Right to Information Commission held that Sri Lanka Cricket is a public body within the definition of Right to Information Act No 12 of 2016.
In this context, we believe this ban sets a dangerous precedent. Barring critical voices is not conducive to a healthy dialogue and indirectly stifles the freedom of the media. Constructive criticism, we believe, Ii is essential for any organization to grow, learn and adapt. It should be seen not as an attack, but as an opportunity to engage in open dialogue, address public concerns and improve operations.
Today is a time where there are more demands for transparency and good governance that any other time. We also understand that the Sri Lana Cricket has been facing many challenges, in the recent times. In this background, a constructive dialog for promoting transparency, good governance and engagement with the public has become extremely important. This current action however, seems inconsistent with these values. Thus we kindly request you to reconsider its decision and lift the current ban on these media stations and journalists.
By doing so you will not only uphold the democratic values we share but also set a positive precedent for other institutions that might face similar situations in the future. More importantly, it will affirm you commitment to engage with a diverse range of viewpoints and respect the role of the free media in our society.
We believe in the mutual respect and cooperation between the Sri Lanka Cricket and the media, as we both play vital roles in the development and promotion of cricket in our beloved nation. Let us continue this relationship with openness and mutual understanding.
We look forward to any expeditious and positive resolution to this matter that aligns with the principles of free speech and the democratic spirit of our nation.
We would also like to remind you that if you fail to consider this request, we as the Broadcasters’ Guild of Sri Lanka, will be compelled to take strong measures against all individuals who act against the media freedom and the best interests of the sport.
1 comment
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