FMM urges both Govt. and LTTE to respect public's right to information

Colombo based Free Media Movement (FMM) said photographers were barred by the officials of entering into hospitals where injured soldiers are being treated.

At least 43 soldiers were killed and nearly 100 more sustained injuries at the battles erupted near Muhamalai Forward Defence Line (FDL), according to government figures.

According to independent media, the casualty figures are much higher than the government estimates but the government accused them of carrying out anti-government propaganda.

Heavy casualties

In this background, four photo journalists were barred by the hospital authorities on Thursday, a statement issued by the FMM said.

It is highly likely that these measures have been taken after heavy losses (numbering in the hundreds) faced by the Sri Lankan Army earlier this week after fighting intensified in the North FMM statement

“It is highly likely that these measures have been taken after heavy losses (numbering in the hundreds) faced by the Sri Lankan Army earlier this week after fighting intensified in the North,” the statement added.

Sri Lanka military authorities denied any censorship imposed on war coverage.

No journalist has made any request to take photographs or interview the soldiers, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told BBC Sandeshaya.

Refraining from 'disturbing' the injured soldiers, he added, is the most responsible thing for the journalists to do.

No independent reports from the battlefield are available as journalists are barred from entering into the areas.

The press freedom watchdog has demanded both the government and the LTTE allow journalists to inform the public of the events unfolding in the north.

“Both the LTTE and the Government do not allow independent media to cover the war in a manner that accurately reports, amongst other things, the numbers dead and injured,” the FMM said.