UNP accuses Government of scuttling media

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene chats with party activists at the meeting held in Monaragala. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana.  

By Yohan Perera and Nayanajeewa Bandara   

Efforts have been made to control media with the latest move by the government to give advertisements to private media only on President’s Secretary’s approval while 20th Amendment is also being used to suppress democracy, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend. 

Speaking during a UNP Bala Mandala meeting in Monaragala Mr. Wijewardene said that the government is trying to inflict undue influence the media and to control them. 

“A circular has been issued to all government institutions under which they have been asked to get the approval of the President’s Secretary before giving advertisements to private media. This means that the government will not give advertisements if they fail to act according to its instructions,” Mr. Wijewardene said.   

“Independent commissions have been abolished by the 20th Amendment. Sri Lanka does not have an independent Judiciary any more. Democracy seemed to be suppressed. What we need is a joint platform of all opposition political parties to save Sri Lanka,” he added.    “ All UNPers should be patient and play a role in resurrecting the party. 

• All UNPers should be patient and play a role in resurrecting the party