A meeting with media channel heads and newspaper editors was held this morning at the Mandarin Hotel in Colombo under the leadership of opposition leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa and participation of party leaders and representatives.
Many opposition groups were initiated to work together as a massive force against the anti-democratic activities implemented by the governments and as a result this meeting was held. In the face of the current political, economic and social issues, all the political parties of the opposition came together and formed a common program against the arbitrary, program implemented by the government. Many groups of the opposition led by the Samagi Janabalawega came together in the Parliament recently under the leadership of the opposition leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa.
The complete speech given by the opposition leader in today’s meeting between media leaders and newspaper editors!
Today is International Media Day. On such a special historical day, we are happy that a number of the main political parties of the opposition have started a socio-economic political dialogue with you; especially the main link of our country’s democracy, the 3rd pillar of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, the 4th main pillar is the free media. The evaluation of the historical work that you have done has brought this media field together and a progressive conversational exchange of ideas has been created at this moment.
Especially, different political parties have unique and unique thoughts for each party. There is a theory. But today we have the opportunity to come together in a number of issues that are nationally important. For example, the Broadcasting Authority Act, which the government is preparing today for media control, can be mentioned. Through that, we have a common opinion about opposing the death blow to the free media. Also, we have a common understanding of opposing the anti-democratic decree of interpreting the 220 lakh people as terrorists by creating a new Anti-Terrorism Act instead of the current Anti-Terrorism Act.
Also, we in the opposition have come together to prevent the most regressive program of that government to thwart the attempt to exploit money in the Express Pearl tragedy, which is the biggest environmental damage that happened in this country in recent times, and that great disaster of a bankrupt country. These are just a few. We have come to one place in many matters of public affairs.
First of all, I welcome everyone with respect at this time. Today, as a proposal received from various political parties of the opposition, engage in a progressive dialogue with all of you that will add value to the country. I hope that through this progressive dialogue, the country will gain value and become the number 1 country in every field of the world.
There is no need for a new anti-terror law. Emergency law provisions are very good – Member of Parliament Muslim Congress Leader Rauf Hakeem
Among the parties in the opposition, we have a strong position on the Anti-Terrorism Act among the parties representing the minorities. Talked to the leader of the opposition about this. Our position is that we are trying to expand the impossible through the Anti-Terrorism Act, which has various tactics to protect the government, not the state, based on the topic of eliminating terrorism. We are saying that if there is any challenge at the time of need, any measures can be taken by announcing the emergency law. In the presence of such an opportunity, our criminal legal system will be destroyed through a special act. It is our position that these can be controlled through Acts such as the Penal Code, the Criminal Law Provisions Act and the Evidence Act.
About this, Antara and other civil organizations have created a separate platform and issued various statements. We fully agree with those statements. This is a big challenge. As a country, the criminal justice system is being destroyed. The activities of civil organizations and media organizations have also been banned from suppressing the people. Our position is against this. We don’t need.
And the election map has been shrunk. Along with that, another thing that is parallel to this is that a demarcation commission is being brought up. Under that, the confusion created in the local government system is causing more confusion. It is a threat to the minority population. Even though we talked about this, there is still no solution. There are also questions about the powers given to the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission. We see this as a long-term problem. This is a big problem of our lack of representation. We demand that at least provincial councils be kept. Even the young people are in favor of this. But the government uses various tricks.
Educate the people about the problems of the country – Professor G. L. Peiris
Journalists are extremely important in securing democracy. The leader of the opposition said that this is the 4th pillar. Looking at what has happened in the country in the last few months, it is not possible to withdraw this Anti-Terrorism Act without your support. Last week, the Minister of Justice said that it will not be brought for now. It means to withdraw indefinitely. This is a huge achievement. If it wasn’t for the noble work done by the media, this result would not have been achieved.
The Express Pearl ship will be discussed when Parliament meets next week. This is a massive scam. This is a fraud similar to breaking the central bank. I strongly believe that some questions should be raised about this and presented to the society. Through that, a strong and strong public opinion is formed. 6.4 billion dollars will be received. Twice as much as you get from I. M.F. It is not a loan. Something that belongs to the people.
There was a time limit of 24 months, but the case was not filed until 23 months. This is not negligence. Something more than that. Need to find out about this. Why take this to Singapore? Why can’t this be implemented in our country? There is a lot of corruption in Singapore. The Mipa organization that can give advice in this regard clearly says that this should be prosecuted in Sri Lanka. Didn’t think about it. Then this was advised by an Australian company. I haven’t heard about it. Why were they chosen? Ask yourselves about this.
During all this, a UK fund helps ship owners and insurance companies. Through that, the compensation is limited to 26 million dollars. What did the Prime Minister do about this? I say the truth should be sought in this. A special committee is needed for that. Without that, you cannot find the truth. It is possible to present the right information to the people and create a public opinion.
There are weaknesses in the Central Bank Act. From whom should be independence. There are questions like this. It is the responsibility of the media to create curiosity in the people.
There are many doubts in the central bank bill. Please inform the people – Member of Parliament Gevidu Kumaratunga
I am happy that this is delayed because of the opinion created in the Parliament and the media about the Anti-Terrorism Act. During the Sinhala years, there was a focus on passing this without discussion, but it was delayed due to media intervention.
Today, terrorism has become normalized in the world and in our country. Even in the world there are problems whether terrorism can be faced under emergency law. We can file a better draft than this. In the next parliamentary week, attention should also be paid to the discussion regarding the ship and the Central Bank Act, which was presented as unconstitutional by the courts of this country. Despite this situation, it is ready to be presented in the next parliamentary week.
Only one day has been reserved for the debate. The court suggested alternatives to all 46 basic clauses. This should be passed subject to those alternative proposals. Even the Speaker announced this to distort its meaning. After the MPs protested about this, it had to be read again.
If the Speaker also makes a mistake while reading this, a doubt arises that it is a mistake or misleading the country. It was on our table when earlier court decisions were announced, but this was not there. When I asked about it, I was told that it will be done by Hansard. Ask to get it from the library if needed. But it is printed in illegibly smaller letters than the size of the Hanard report.
In this way, a huge doubt arises. Efforts are being made to pass certain clauses of the original draft despite the orders of the court. We request you to inform the people. Pressure the government. The financial administration of the country is related to this. They ask to withdraw the flawed bill and submit a new bill.
We need a common answer to the country’s problems – Member of Parliament Athuraliye Rathana Thero
Journalists have an idea about what is going to happen in the country. Mr. Ranil is thinking of normalizing the country and bringing in a quick president. Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Central Bank Act have been brought. We need a broad discussion on this.
In today’s world, there is no division between right wing and left wing. At this time, there is a problem as to why the Anti-Terrorism Act is being presented when a solution should be sought for this crisis. Going to the IMF is not a problem, but if you look at those policies, they are more favorable to the world than us. Therefore, a common answer is needed for the country’s problem. A broad opposition should be created for that. Journalists are requested to inform the people about this.
