FMM says President should take responsibility for Minister Silva's actions

The Free Media Movement (FMM) accused 'brutish Minister' Mervyn Silva of trying to close down Sirasa television station, which is part of MBC media network.

Over one hundred people protested in front of MBC station in Colombo on 11 August voicing support for the controversial minister.

Minister Silva is accused of continuous attacks against media and specifically targeting Sirasa station.

SLRC debalce

“Supporters of the Minister at the orchestrated rally in Colombo shouted slogans that said they were the indomitable force of the President and alleged that the Sirasa television station is pro-LTTE,” the FMM statement said.

As it is very clear that the Minister enjoys presidential patronage, the FMM holds the President and his government and president responsible for actions FMM statement

The statement issued by FMM convenor Uvindu Kurukulasuriya said the same accusation is levelled against all critics of government in an attempt to silence them.

Police have failed to take any action against the minister despite clear evidence of his involvement in many incidents since an attack on state-run Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).

At least five SLRC workers were assaulted, some sustained serious injuries, after the incident in which angry state media workers assaulted the unruly minister.

President 'responsible'

Some SLRC workers have left Sri Lanka due to fear for their life.

Only a statement was recorded from the minister after a court order to arrest all suspects of attacking Sirasa TV crew in Kelaniya on 04 August.

Minister Mervyn Silva and his supporters are accused of continously attacking journalists and public gatherings

The FMM said the protest against MBC on 11 August was a continuation of Minister Mervyn Silva’s attacks against free media.

“As it is very clear that the Minister enjoys presidential patronage, the FMM holds the President and his government and president responsible for actions,” the statement said.