Govt not suppressing free media - Media Minister

Uditha Kumarasinghe, Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghre

Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told Parliament yesterday that the Government has no intention to suppress or intimidate the free media.

Responding to the adjournment motion moved by the UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake regarding the burning down of the Sunday Leader Office in Ratmalana, the Minister said the Government vehemently condemned this incident.

He asserted that the Government is doing its level best to ensure media freedom. An extensive Police investigation is being carried out on this incident.

He said MP Ravi Karunanayake was trying to point an accusing finger at the Government regarding this incident by making baseless allegations.

"We should work together to reveal the truth," the Minister said. "We could not get statements from eyewitnesses," he said.

The press was also not located in the High Security Zone. He said that the media criticises the Government, even referring to the personal life of the President.

"The Government always stands for media freedom.

He has urged the Police to conduct investigations and we are waiting the Police reports."