A free Fourth Estate to reinforce an independent state
‘Right to freedom of expression’ is enshrined in the constitution. Free speech should provoke. It might offend; it might be unfair; and it could well cause prejudice. But it’s the price we must be ready to pay for the ‘right to freedom of expression’. -A foreign news bulletin-Jan 2016
Independence-DSS proposed; SWRD seconded
D. S. Senanayake, Minister of Agriculture and Lands and Leader of the State Council, on his return from England having discussed the reforms, moved in the State Council that
“This House expresses its disappointment that His Majesty’s government has deferred the admission of Ceylon to full dominion status, but in view of the assurance contained in the White Paper of October 31, 1945, that His Majesty’s government will cooperate with the people of Ceylon so that such status may be attained by this country in a comparatively short time, this House resolves that the Constitution offered in the said White Paper be accepted during the interim period.”.
This motion was formally seconded by S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, Minister of Local Administration, and was passed by a majority of 48 votes. Mr. Bandaranaike speaking in the course of the debate said; “I am sure that in dealing with a subject of this importance, the House expects all of us to be entirely frank, to be entirely sincere...”
The PM and Free Media
On Thursday, an angryPrime Minister on his feet lambasted journalists in Parliament looking at the media gallery instead of the Chair.His frustration at the going-ons in the country is understandable. When disgruntled elements within the party were organising themselves into political groups to bring him to disrepute both as the leader of UNP and the Opposition,
he was never disturbed by harsh criticism aimed at him. But he kept programmes alive and concentrated in reviving the party according to his own vision. Today, after almost 400 days in office, nothingis happening the way he anticipated. Ranil Wickremasinghe as PM is aware that the country is facing a serious economic situation.
It is the private media that is responsible for making the opposition’s voice heard.
Even though the social media has opened a way to a wealth of information, people still prefer to go with media products for fact-based information and analysis under serious journalism. It is useful to recall that the right to freedom of expression covers large forms of expression. Over the past 20 years, more than 2,000 journalists have been targeted and murdered worldwide including a few of Europe’s most distinguished writers and journalists, many having been victims of political enemies and governmental indifference when alive.
Journalists are always hampered by limits on their freedom imposed by political influence or by the application of the law. This type of indirect threats not only leads to self-censorship, but it can intimidate and silence the sources upon which journalism depends.
The ‘Right to Information Bill’ promised under the 100-day programme is yet to see the light of the day. As far back as the mid-18th century Sweden established the right to information where citizens can ask for and receive any document from the government. But even some Western countries do not uphold this democratic tradition.
Without such protection sources may be frightened to assist the press in informing the public on matters of public interest. Official recognition of this right is critical at a time when journalists are under pressure from the police and the authorities to hand over computer files, photographs, film or notebooks, containing information on what they had witnessed or details of contacts.
Foreign Invaders
At a time when we were politically divided under seven kings, creating an ideal atmosphere for intruders to come here and settle down without resistance. In 1505, cyclonic winds and tidal waves forced Portuguese Captain Don Lorenzo de Almeida’s fleet to wash ashore the island’s southern coast. The 443-year foreign rule caused by internal divisions ended in 1948.
Heroes who Struggled and what we achieved over the 68 years
Don Stephen Senanayake, his brother F. R. Senanayake, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, Sir James Peiris, E. W. Perera, Don Richard Wijewardena, Dr. T. B. Jayah, H. J. C. Perera, Sir D. B. Jayatilaka, Anagarika Dharmapala, C. W. W. Kannangara, Captain Edward Henry Pedris, and Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam were among the educated middle class that led the peaceful independence movement which commenced around the turn of the 19th century. The result was dominion status which was retained until it became a republic on May 22, 1972 with a change in name from Ceylon to the Republic of Sri Lanka.
The freedom struggle was carried out by the national leaders; Muslim, Tamil, Sinhala, Burgher... alike, sans bars of race or creed towards a country with equality and peace. However, after 68 years, the nation lies wounded with politicians creating misunderstandings among the communities. Almost 40 per cent of the population suffer below poverty level. The country is trapped in deep debt. A wave of violence and crime in all parts of the country is increasing. Racial and religious harmony and co-existence are threatened with extremist group activity.
Two Pillars: Freedom and Independence
Freedom rests on two columns; freedom from physical want or the satisfaction of basic human needs and the freedom of life or the upholding of basic human rights; the right to information and responsibilities. If these are satisfied, people will attain a higher level of culture where there is spiritual awakening, higher moral and ethical relationships, respect for each others culture.
New creations will flourish, crime will decrease, conflicts minimised; job-oriented educational system promoting competition and corruption in society to that of one incorporating virtues and values. But, after almost seven decades of formal independence, we have not laid the foundation to make our ‘Independence’ meaningful. We must have a process to provide space for all people to make their maximum contribution. The world should know that there is no more war in the country and the negative publicity for the country counteracted. If our politicians and corporate leaders could set an example of simplicity and non-extravagance, that itself is enough for a fresh start.
Muzzling the Free Press
Sirimavo sealed the Dawasa group and nationalised Lake House; Premadasa made a public warning to the chairman of a powerful newspaper using obscene terms in Singhala, he also harassed, abducted and murdered journalists. MR approached the same chairman through a well-known Bikkhu and he listened to his advice:
“Your Excellency, why don’t you use all the state media at your disposal to counter us?”. But, he continued the work of CBK to intimidate, abduct and add to ‘list of missing persons and journalists.’ At the end of only the first year in office, Ranil, the nephew and son of two newspaper giants who, as a young leader never made critical remarks on even those who used obscene language, ridiculed some newspaper editors and journalists by naming them. His language and behaviour in Parliament was unbecoming of a PM.
Today we have Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe as President and PM, thanks to free private media, in a consensual government to work on a two-year marriage, in fulfilling the aspirations of the two great leaders of yesteryear DSS and SWRD. Let us resolve today to make power devolution which has been initiated to restore sustainable peace and unity in the country and usher in social, economic and cultural development.
“Today we shall celebrate a momentous event in the history of Sri Lanka. It will mark the birth of our freedom. In the long history of our island, the attainment of political freedom is, perhaps, only second in importance to the message of spiritual freedom which the Buddha delivered 2500 years ago.”
--D. S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of independent Ceylon speaking at the declaration on February 4, 1948.
