Minister said temporaray licence of ABC has been recalled

The ABC net work that operates five radio channels was ordered off the air following an investigation into a report about an alleged Tamil Tiger attack which broadcast by it on Wednesday.

The Minister of Media, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the temporary licence of ABC has been recalled because it's a gross violation of freedom of expression.

"Because of this false and irresponsible news broadcast we had to engage additional police and army to prevent any possible communal violence in the area," said minister Yapa.

The punishment does not fit the crime

As a result of recalling the license Hiru, Sha, Gold, Sun and Surian FM services have had to be taken off air.

Speaking to Sandeshaya the convener of free media movement (FMM) said that the decision to put the ABC network off air is politically motivated.

This is another act against the freedom of free media in Sri Lanka Sunanda Deshapriya

“The punishment does not fit the crime” said Sunanda Deshapriya convener of the free media movement

He pointed out that the radio station corrected the news as soon as possible.

“This is another act against the freedom of free media in Sri Lanka” added Deshapriya.

Delivering a speech in Pollonnaruwa on Thursday President Rajapakse said that he is running out of patience with the sections of the media that are irresponsible.