AsiaNews.it
Monks, NGOs and activists speak out for democracy and freedom of information
by Melani Manel Perera
Sri Lankans should unite and fight against invasive politicisation of society. Opposition politicians and journalists are criticised for not speaking their mind without fear or giving up their privileges. For senior lecturer Liyanage Amarakeerthi, “Democracy and right to information are the two sides of the same coin,” but in today’s Sri Lanka, only the outer shell of either one has been left.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Sri Lankans “must unite to guarantee the rights of citizens, especially of those who have ideas to improve things for the country and its people, without fear of speaking or putting aside their privileges,” a group called Citizen’s Right and Lawyers for Democracy said at a seminar after five online papers were shut down. They urged opposition politicians and media to do their part against government interference in various aspects of social life. Human rights activists and Buddhist monks were also present; they accused the government of using the justice system for political purpose.
The group slammed the lukewarm reaction of the United National Party (UNP), the country’s main opposition party. “If we had a strong opposition in parliament, certain politicians would not do what they did.
The UNP was represented at the seminar, including the party’s vice president Karu Jayasuriya.
“There is no transparency in the judicial system,” said the Venerable Sobitha Thero, a Buddhist monk. “People should call for the independence of the judiciary, and the authorities should respect it.”
Two lawyers, Jayampathi Wickremeratne and J.C. Weliamuna, criticised the government for trying to control the internet, especially the websites of newspapers. Such efforts are undemocratic.
In fact, Sri Lankan authorities recently blocked five online publications, accusing them of insulting government leaders. They are: Lankaenews, Sri Lanka Mirror, Sri Lanka Guardian, Paparacigossip9 and Lankaawaynews.
“Democracy and the right to information are two sides to the same coin,” said Liyanage Amarakeerthi, senior lecturer at Peradeniya University. In today’s Sri Lanka, only the outer shell of either one has been left.
By the same token, journalists have big role to play, he explained. At present, “when democracy and the country are in a difficult situation, they give priority to road accidents. This should change.”