Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that it is acknowledged that the judicial process related to crimes committed against journalists and media organisations in the past has been slow and inefficient due to some reasons and the new Government will take every step possible to resume judicial proceedings which is a main demand of media organisations, including the Free Media Movement (FMM), regarding the related incidents.
The Minister, who engaged in a discussion with the FMM on Wednesday (08) at the office of the Leader of the House in Parliament, said that it is of significance that they were able to enter into such a discussion on a day 16 years after the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge.
After the meeting, issuing a press release signed by the Convenor of the FMM, Hana Ibrahim and the secretary, Lasantha de Silva, the movement said that the dialogue was held on six basic points and the fact that the media sector in Sri Lanka should go for independent and comprehensive reforms was emphasised by the FMM during the discussion.
The Free Media Movement stated on this occasion that the Government should act to identify the existing obstacles in bringing about justice for journalists, who have become victims of crimes, and their family members, and will provide the necessary support without hesitation.
The Free Media Movement pointed out that a broad participatory discussion was needed to review laws affecting and suppressing freedom of expression such as the Online Safety Act, Anti-Terrorism Bill, Electronic Media Broadcasting Regulatory Commission Bill, and prevention of misuse of laws such as the ICCPR, etc.
Minister Dr. Jayatissa said that the Government is ready to listen to alternative ideas and suggestions.
The Minister has also stated here that there is scope to submit ideas about other independent structures that should be established instead of abolishing institutions such as the Press Council, which are not recognised especially among media organisations. Building a training programme with the support of the Government to promote the quality of journalism and how to intervene to protect the professional rights of journalists too were widely discussed.
The Minister agreed to consult the opinions of media organisations and other parties before making final decisions regarding the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and the National Media Policy.
Additional Secretary (Development, Planning and Information) of the Media Ministry Kalum Wijenayake, Director General of Government Information Harsha Bandara and a group of officials also participated in the discussion.
Asela Kuruluwansa