The Media watchdog, the Free Media movement (FMM) stated that it unequivocally stands by the rights of Media Institutions and personnel to criticize military strategies, military procurements, policy options, transfers and promotions militating against a settlement of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
It is its view that open discussions and forums are contributory, and not contradictory to Democratic governance and fostering peace in the country.
According to these censorship guidelines, the media should not:
Be critical and analyse military strategies
Scrutinise promotions and transfers within the military
Question military procurements and tenders
Espouse/ discuss anti-war positions
Obtain information from military officers other than official spokespersons
The FMM was particularly concerned about the latest guidelines set for Media by the Defence Ministry website, which are aimed at further restricting the free Media and are tantamount to a self censorship, particularly, when the whole World (leave alone Sri Lanka) is bitterly critical of Sri Lankan Govt.’s failure to protect Media Organisations and Media personnel who have suffered most under this regime.
The website statements are also haunted by doubts as to whether they are Defence Ministry views or of the Editorial writer or an element of Govt. policy.
via M@L
