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UNP and media freedom

Last weekend we saw a futile attempt by the UNP to use terror tactics to prevent the publication of Lake House newspapers.

The JSS at Lake House launched an indefinite strike. When it realized that a majority of workers were not ready to follow the JSS line, its leaders tried to intimidate those working, with threats and intimidation. Fortunately, these acts of sabotage were controlled in time so that newspapers could be printed.

This shows the desperation of the UNP. This was the last act of a series of measures the UNP took to stifle free expression by the state media.

In the meantime, UNP agents in the wire services had relayed worldwide a story to the effect that Lake House newspapers would not be published for several days.

This reveals the existence of a mafia group among the local and foreign media that has been dancing to the tune of the UNP/UNF.

The readers will remember the UNP's failed attempt to use the judiciary to intimidate the editors and the ANCL. We could also recall the use of several NGOs that churned out reports tarnishing the state media.

Some of these NGOs seem to limit the freedom of expression to the editors of the ANCL. We could sympathise with the poor knowledge of these NGO pundits on the working of the media but they should not make themselves the laughing stock of the public by indiscriminately repeating by rote what their political gurus have taught them.

The strong-arm tactics of the JSS at Lake House could very well be a foreboding of things to come, if even by a remote chance the UNP would be in a position to form a future government.

One may wonder why the state media has come in for such strong criticism and discriminatory action by the UNP/UNF and their media henchmen.

The state media has not become a ready receptacle for lies and misinformation churned out by the UNP and its allies. It has steadfastly defended the right of people to know all shades of opinion. It has prevented the readers from falling prey to mischievous propaganda by the Opposition by publishing accurate and detailed reports of what is going on in the country, including developmental work.

That is why the state media has become a target of attack.

To understand the UNP psyche, one has only to recall the past, however, unpalatable the past may be to the UNP and its servile media henchmen.

Editors were summoned to Parliament and punished under draconian laws that gave Parliament to pronounce judgments on journalists and carry out punishment.

Not only was censorship a permanent feature, but also journalists bold enough to express free opinion were silenced. Some were even killed by vigilante groups, the most notable being Richard de Zoysa.

Financial and other pressures were brought on independent newspaper groups.

The electronic media was a virtual monopoly of the state. One helmsman controlled news in all electronic media.

The PA, on the other hand, liberated the media. Freedom of expression was guaranteed. Every effort was done to promote media freedom.

Laws that gave power to the Legislature to punish journalists were abrogated. New radio and TV stations were allowed to operate. They were also permitted to broadcast news and comments without hindrance.

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