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FMM condemns President's threat

The Free Media Movement (FMM) yesterday called on President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to desist from taking over the state media and asked the country's media to report the debate on the import of armoured cars accurately, fairly and without bias.

The FMM condemned the threat made by the President to bring under her control the government media institutions, which do not publish in full her statements regarding the controversy.

In a statement released yesterday, the FMM noted with regret that the tug-of-war between the President and the Government is developing into a threat to the freedom of the media.

The statement noted that the 75-day debate about the import of armoured vehicles is an unavoidable part of the tussle between the President and the Government.

It added that the movement recognizes the fact that the President and the other leaders of the country require protection from the enemies of the State.

The FMM also said that during the rule of the President, the media institutions and the media practitioners of the country faced immense pressure. Threats against editors, the sealing of newspaper offices, censorship and the vilification of the press were commonplace.

The statement noted that during her rule the state media showed unprecedented bias. Her government and party used the state media as if it was their private property to insult and ridicule their opponents. "That is why we are perturbed that she has threatened to take over the state media."

The FMM has upheld the main ethics of the media, which are accuracy, neutrality and responsibility. "We are opposed to any attempt at controlling the media because it does not behave in the manner various politicians wish it to do so."

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