US unhappy with State media

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 23:12

The US Embassy in Colombo says it is disappointed that the State media recently choose to carry a “provocative and groundless” story without allowing the U.S. to comment on the spurious claims.

While rejecting allegations made against the US, the Embassy reiterated that it provided no support to any candidate in Sri Lanka’s presidential election and that any allegations that it did are false.

“We thus were appalled by the baseless charge that the U.S. conspired against or in any way threatened the President or his government. We are disappointed that state media would choose to carry such a provocative and groundless story without allowing the U.S. to comment on the spurious claims,” the US Embassy said.

The Embassy further said that the United States and Sri Lanka are longstanding partners and so hope that the bilateral relationship will continue to move forward and that the US can contribute to the peace and prosperity of a united and democratic Sri Lanka which is respectful of its citizens’ civil and human rights.

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Comments

-6+8 # Guest 2010-02-17 23:26

Why don’t you ask Mr.President to speak to King Raja on this, since media is controlled by him and him only.

-8+6 # Guest 2010-02-17 23:30

You wouldn’t allow your opponents to carry stories in your media, would you? So never mind.

-4+1 # Guest 2010-02-17 23:32

I am also a victim.

-7+3 # Guest 2010-02-17 23:34

Our country our nation what ever we can do.......................
(We got china and poor india) You cant do anythink

-7+3 # Guest 2010-02-17 23:37

MR ARE YOU LISTENING TO THIS PEOPLE? mmmm i am wondering.

-9+9 # Guest 2010-02-17 23:37

Hey US fellas, It's slightly different in SL.There are no "State Media" here, but only Government Londries.

-5+7 # Guest 2010-02-17 23:48

Tell that to the media minister...Our rajathuma

-55+222 # Guest 2010-02-18 00:13

We don't watch these channels, so the US can ignore this issue.

-5+7 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:19

We don't want to make you happy. Mind your CNN !

-4+10 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:30

Bin Laden is unhappy about CNN !.

-42+164 # Guest 2010-02-18 00:35

Yet another case of the State media's gross irresponsibilit y in purely 'catering to the gallery.' We are going from bad to worse. Finally, we will be left with only Iran, Myanmar, Libya and the like. International isolation is increasingly looming. Of course, so-called people of (derelict) yesteryear intellect - Gunadasa Amerasekera and the like - bear as much responsibility for this type of fabrication, based on xenophobia.

-6+5 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:07

Gunadas Amerasekara is a fake Bogus patriote.

-6+5 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:43

Don't worry.... US sidelined China for many years on Human Rights grounds. However, US couldn't do anything. Now, US is coming back to China....because.... China has money.

-44+164 # Guest 2010-02-18 00:40

These are not good signs, for our country.

-90+47 # Guest 2010-02-18 00:50

"My kingdom come" is Sri Lanka's State media motto !

-101+54 # Guest 2010-02-18 01:05

WELCOME TO THE REAL SRI LANKA ...

-43+146 # Guest 2010-02-18 01:51

What is heartbreaking to note is that supporters of this regime are blinded to the fact that we are fast becoming a dictatorship, without the freedom of speech, true democracy and human rights. Is this what they want for our country?

-22+70 # Guest 2010-02-18 03:31

Come on now, there is enough 'freedom of speech'! You can 'bad-mouth' as much as you want ... er ... that's of course inside your house & not too loud please!

-5+4 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:36

US Embassy in Sri Lanka, please note:
The death is announced of D.E.M. O'Cracy. Born 4th February 1948. Died recently. Remains are lying in state at TT.

-37+123 # Guest 2010-02-18 01:54

Government promoting "cheap journalism."

-44+101 # Guest 2010-02-18 01:55

Shame, on this regime.

-30+74 # Guest 2010-02-18 02:41

Sri Lanka's rulers must keep in mind that the American government could be of immense support, when the need arises ... provided Sri Lanka is able to deal with them, appropriately.

-4+4 # Guest 2010-02-18 10:28

Huh! Yes we saw it during the time of defeating LTTE.

-4+4 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:59

Very true, no matter what they are always there in times of need, let's not only look at the negative points of the US! however, our govt. has no fear for God nor Man. This is what happens when pride and power goes to the head, you don't see anything beyond, you become like a horse, the seeing becomes narrower...

-33+117 # Guest 2010-02-18 03:01

Dear U.S embassy, no one with a brain will watch state media.

-2+7 # Guest 2010-02-18 07:07

I never watch or listen to state media. Only propaganda and mud slinging. Shame shame shame. State media has become the private property of corrupt politicians

-5+1 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:37

So you must be one of the brainees of the only 4m voters out of 14m or so voters in SL.

-5+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:39

That is the reason the southern sinhalese villagers watch it and voted again for this regime.

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:09

sorry to say darling over 6 miilion sri lankans watch.

-24+84 # Guest 2010-02-18 03:39

This is not suprising. None of the State media show any professionalism , in doing their work. I doubt whether their so-called journalists are even sufficiently educated for the tasks they undertake ... Everything about them, makes them highly unreliable.

-29+57 # Guest 2010-02-18 05:23

'Illang parippu kannai hadanne'!

-1+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 06:02

We know state media are a group of liars so we ignore them. they fabricate stories to protect there masters wrong doings. Future well being of Sri Lanka is none of their concerns

-1+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 06:18

THE STATE MEDIA HAS BECOME ONLY A PROPAGANDA TOOL OF THE RULERS, NO ONE TAKES NOTICE OF THEM AS NEWS CHANNELS. E.G. I READ SOME SUNDAY PAPERS ONLY FOR ADS.

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 06:22

If they do not publish as the boss (man with the smoking gun) say it will be death or imprisonment with or with out charges.

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 06:41

Now this is Siri Lanka ! country is gradually going to gutters

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 06:55

Please look after your own businesses.

-4+7 # Guest 2010-02-18 07:02

Her Excellency the Ambassodor of USA
I had been a daily reader of State controlled news paper, Daily News for the last 3 decades as an expatriate citizen. I do not look at that paper anymore. so dont worry. People now look at other independent papers.
To me Srilanka is just becoming Zimbabwe as I have been in that country some times back. It is a shame that how fast a country can slide backwards so fast. I cant imagine a General who led from the front and saved our motherland is in a room where windows have been shut by wooden planks.
Can you imagine this can happen even in a country like Myanmar.
New Zealand Dual Citizen

-3+6 # Guest 2010-02-18 07:24

US Embassy please note democracy is a thing of the past. This is a one man show. We need your help!!!

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 07:52

Our President do not have control over state media. Ha! Ha! Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!?

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 07:59

The US and other countries are obviously angry about the bastardization of the media by a few institutions.

-1+6 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:07

When alleged rapists, murderers, thugs, and drug lords are (seemingly) elected to govern the country, what else can we expect from the state. 90% of Sri Lankans want to peacefully co-exist with our fellow Sri Lankans and the world. Unfortunately, a small but powerful band of bandits don't want this to happen. The US and other countries should understand the unfortunate situation we helpless citizens are placed in and not punish us.

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:25

Suspension of GSP+ due to violation of democracy. What's next cancellation of UN membership??
MR selfish govt. you deserve this..

-4+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:25

Majority of the Sri Lankans don't watch State Media bullshit.
By the way, the president is the new media minister, isn't he ?

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:35

What a sad story.......SL has only 4m million brainy people ! Ha Ha Ha.

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:44

Most of the Sri Lankans don't watch state media , they always published false information. Pl.don't care!

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:51

Who cares about the "Cheap State Media"

-4+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:52

US was also unhappy about GoSL's humanitarian mission too. But GoSL continued and rescued all civilians. So, this is not a thing to care.

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 08:52

How about BBC/CNN? Are you happy about?

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:00

I am not least interest to watch State Media channels
Therefore not interested to know what was aired

-2+4 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:02

There is nothing called balanced reporting in Srilanka.This is a shock to the decent world perhaps not surprised.

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:02

very bad sign for the country...

-2+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:07

ARE WE ?

-2+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:24

Very good. Let the so called false patriotism take its toll on the people of this country. We deserve who we elect so do not complain.

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:28

Does the embassy mean that the 'Straits Times' is owned by the government of Sri Lanka?

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:32

We do not like them too. So no worries!!!

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:38

Lets have a slogan, "I love state Media" .... Im sure the ratings for comedys etc. are coming down these days because everything that is happening in this country is highly entertaining.

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:40

Atlast even the US has identified the position of the State Media in Sri Lanka and more countries specially China and India too should know about all this

-2+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:43

Dear US Embassy not only you even Sri Lankans are not happy with State Media. All the Heads of State media are headless people. What to do ?

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 09:53

Tell me anyone in this world is happy with US accept for its people who lives there

-2+4 # Guest 2010-02-18 10:02

If the US Embassy takes a decision not to issue visas to those responsible in state media institutions including the media ministers for visiting US, I think they will submit apologies.

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 10:07

No one with intelligence watches or reads State media. However, I think its high time the US takes action over the green card holders who hold high posts in the govt.

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 10:26

Are we happy with US state media !!!

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 10:32

Mervin silva told journalist to first to write letter to girl friend before jounalisam. So all the state media jounrnalist have gone tuition before joining State media. So this will be like this

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 10:42

country situation is worsen day by day

-11+33 # Guest 2010-02-18 10:46

Dont Worry, Nothing new hear. Surprising to hear that the US embassy is watching State Media. We only watch those channels when we need some entertainment like Fairy Tales. Nobody really cares or think too much about the stuff in state media, so nothing is lost

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 12:09

Don't watch & listen to the state media

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 11:03

Do not worry US when fools make big noises intelligent people quietly counter attack . what we really need is an effective counter attack not just lips services

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 11:12

Sorry US embassy...... This is Sri Lanka ............

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 11:53

This is the power of RAJA BOJUN.They will do any thing for that matter they dont care a dam for principals or media ethics

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 12:03

We have media freedom in Sri Lanka. We have to expose the doble stand of US to our people. Our government is elected by people and we have democracy.

-4+1 # Guest 2010-02-18 12:44

Hypocrites revealed!!!!

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:13

Do not forget that 60% of Srilankans could see only state channels. So US cannot ignore this issue.

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:30

If Sri Lankan President does what US wants,
Regim is the best. if not , they will try be happy regim change.
.........
Unfortunately Some Sri Lankans behind this

very strange

-2+4 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:39

Ha ha... the only Good Program Rupavahini Shows is Robin hood... and Atapattama on ITN.. May be the US Ambassador watches Robin Hood.

-1+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:46

Two wrongs do not make a right.....and Mervin de Silva - good point.

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 13:47

To those who happily claimed that they don't watch state media and those who vote for their comments. There is no such things in other countries, people watch their national TV channel, why there is exception in Sri Lanka. Are you guys phyically in Sri Lanka and mentally in London.

-4+1 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:12

US please note SriLanka is no longer a third world country. We have the strongest economy of the world and we are the best. Who is US to blame our country and it's media. If US try to be too smart , we will invade US and take your country captive. Understand ? Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha !

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:13

It is the accepted standard of all media around the world to harp on what they want us to hear and not allowing the affected parties togive their version of the issue. This culture was initiated by BBC followed by CNN and now trying to be imitated by Aljazeera.

-3+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:22

The US Embassy should not create a mountain out of a molehill as they happen to be in the receiving end now. These seeds of discord were sown by Mr. Blake who he had the audacity to poke his finger on our affairs during the war. True, the State controlled media in SL is shameless, and full of sunshine stories to make us feel good and happy every morning. However, I would say the State controlled media in SL is not alone in this business; even certain selective stories on CNN, not to mention the Boston Globe, bear striking similarity to the stories of our daydreamers! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE MEDIA FIEFDOM!

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:31

who,s waching mihin channels only 2 legs BURUWO

-2+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:34

US has been a long standing friend friend of Sri Lanka who has supported us in many a time of need.Sri Lanka should act cautiously in making statements that could hurt the feeling of its friendly countries.

-15+12 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:49

We are also unhappy about CNN. What to do?

-5+12 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:54

It was wrong of the State media to accuse USA of anything underhand. Everything is done covertly with no paper trail and impossible to prove. It is inconceivable to think that USA did not interfere in Chile (removal of Allende and installing Pinochet), in Haiti (removal of Aristides) etc. but quite rightly they have all been officially denied.

-15+9 # Guest 2010-02-18 14:57

Huh..No comments condemning this US buggers....Wonder why...
US we know what u did to IRAQ vietnam..etc etc.. But mind u this is Sri Lanka with great leader leading the nation ..so better mind your own business

-6+12 # Guest 2010-02-18 15:08

Even Srilankan's are unhappy about the state media, so no difference.

-4+9 # Guest 2010-02-18 15:14

After the return to SL of the US green card holders, there is mayhem in the political arena.

-9+12 # Guest 2010-02-18 15:45

USA and UK are globaly famous at regime changes like Afghanistan, Iraq. So the doubt that USA would have been involved was reasonable. Further, countries like States, Norway do not get involved direct but indirectly thro various INGOs.

-3+1 # Guest 2010-02-18 15:49

yes, USA should look to taking action against the PERSON who made the baseless accusations, don't you think? I mean that person has defamed an entire country!

-4+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 15:56

I wonder how many times we felt USA was accusing SL with "provocative and groundless" allegations. I wonder how many times we felt USA was accusing SL with "provocative and groundless" allegations. That was not only done by many media outlets but also by the Sate Department and President Obama, Hilarious Clinton etc.,

USA, not only you have the right to be appalled but also other nations big and small.

If one reads between lines still USA seems to hint we are not a sovereign nation who can look after our own affairs. Interestingly enough USA has not denied the “Asia Tribune” article on how USA agents approached Sarath Fonseka.

In 1987-1989 when then USA puppet UNP regime did many atrocities USA never came forward with statements of this nature.

I am looking forward to a date we can proudly show our finger to USA, like many others did, and say “Hey Mister mind your own business”.

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 16:47

yes we are unhappy with CNN & BBC

-3+2 # Guest 2010-02-18 16:59

Who cares !!!!!!!!!!!!
What about CNN, BBC? Are you happy with those, US?

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 17:25

Oh, Tell me who is happy with these channels?

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 18:01

Gota told that in his interview in Singapore, he has evidences for their involvements and the FM was so great not to proceed with the charges. Why not Gota make public the evidences he is supposedly has.

-2+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 18:05

It is not state media.It is political party media.So do not worry.All Sri Lankans do not subscribe to such baseless and misguided comments.

-5+3 # Guest 2010-02-18 18:34

This is Sri Lanka it's not a another state of US, so you have no say over our affairs or what we say in our media .
besides US never allowed us to explain our side of the story in their media during the period of WAR

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