UNP says the space for democracy is gradually being eroded by the Govt.

Leader of the opposition and the United National Party (UNP), Ranil Wickramasinghe, told journalists in Colombo that the opposition will launch political protests against the regulations.

The new regulations are violating the fundamental rights, Mr. Wickramasinghe said.

He added that defence secretary is given sweeping powers to control electronic media in the new regulations.

The state run Rupavahini and ITN should be banned as they daily promote racism Ranil Wickramasinghe

The powers included banning media organisations that promotes racial hatred.

“The state run Rupavahini and ITN should be banned as they daily promote racism,” he said.

The leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Rauff Hakeem, said Sri Lanka is moving towards a ‘dictatorship’.

Quoting from the recent report by Reporters without Borders (RSF), he said Sri Lanka was ranked the worst on press freedom among democratic countries.

Government Reaction

The leader of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP Mahajana wing), Mangala Samaraweera, accused the government of ‘killing the truth’ using the war against the Tamil Tigers.

	Minister says Govt. has no intention to act in a discriminatory manner

Sri Lanka’s economy is on the verge of collapse due to the war and corruption by the ruling family, he said.

Media Minister Laxman Yapa Abeywardana said that the government has no intention to act in a discriminatory manner and is open to further discussion.

“We will treat all private electronic media equally and if any media channel feels discriminated they could appeal” said Minister Yapa.

He also said they any one oposesing proposed licensing procedure could challenge them in court.