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Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 9.26 GMT |
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Sri Lanka rejects AI report on media freedom |
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Deputy Solicitor General Shavindra Fernando
responding to Amnesty International statement titled
“ Sri Lanka – Siliencing Dissent” says the report is
totally misplaced – a contradiction between the
title “Silencing Dissent” and Governments sustained
policy of open and constructive engagement with the
international community and the international human
rights mechanisms.
"Amnesty International report fails to acknowledge
the many positive steps taken by Government of Sri
Lanka (GOSL) to promote freedom of expression which
is also enshrined in the Constitution. It fails to
acknowledge any positive steps taken by GOSL to
enhance protection in an environment of combating
terrorism and shadowy killers; the re-issuing of
Presidential guidelines on arrest, the setting up of
Independent Commissions of Inquiry, the crackdown by
the police which has resulted in a decrease of
allegations of abductions and disappearances, as
well as invitations extended to special procedures
mandate holders to visit Sri Lanka and present easy
to implement recommendations to enhance protection,"
he said.
"While affirming the commitment of the Government of
Sri Lanka to uphold media freedom, the Government
rejects attempts to denigrate national institutions
in the eyes of the international community to
achieve narrow politically motivated objectives," he
added.
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