Absolute freedom for media - President
Rohan Mathes
COLOMBO: There is no media suppression whatsoever in the
country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted yesterday.
Addressing a ceremony organised by the Land Reform Commission (LRC),
to handover ‘Ranbima Oppu’ (Ranbima Land Deeds) to 1,200 recipients of
the Ratnapura and Kegalle Districts at Temple Trees yesterday, President
Rajapaksa re-affirmed his total commitment to media freedom,
categorically stating that all allegations and accusations levelled
against his Government pertaining to ‘Media Suppression’ was slanderous
and unfounded.
“I am amazed and perturbed at the baseless allegations made with
regard to ‘Media Freedom’ in the country. Any one could unmercifully
target me and my Government in any manner, via the media, if they so
wish.
If one would scan the weekend newspapers, he could testify for
himself the freedom enjoyed by the media. “They have even depicted me in
a very humiliating manner in some cartoons. This amply illustrates the
extent of the ‘Media Freedom’ in this country,” he remarked.
Vehemently pointing out that he has never and would never ever fall
to the level depicted in some cartoons and other articles, President
Rajapaksa opined that nonetheless, the media should refrain from being
pawns in the hands of both local and international elements with vested
interests, who strive to betray and destroy our Motherland.
He also claimed that he would not endeavour to protect any
individual. The Police and the ‘Rule of Law’ mechanism was in place to
carry out their functions independently, and mete out punishment, when
and where necessary with the evidence available.
Referring to the fatal bomb-blast at Lotus Road recently, President
Rajapaksa disclosed that on further investigation using advanced
techniques, it had been revealed that the suicidal LTTE bomber
responsible for the blast, had also been in the list of ‘Abductions’ of
‘White-Van’ fame.
“This clearly indicates the misleading and treacherous nature of
these allegations,” he added.
President Rajapaksa underscored the importance of handing over the
‘Deeds’ and consolidating their ownership of the lands to the 1200 lucky
recipients, who from now onwards would be entitled to transfer the
ownership to their offspring, or even obtain bank loans, if required.
He opined that his Government was highly concerned of the lands in
the North and the East, which were transferred or written-off freely to
the LTTE, by agreement or otherwise in the past.
“That is why we liberated the East and re-settled those displaced in
their lands, sans any political or communal bias. We also held elections
there. Now we are in the process of liberating the North as well very
soon,” he added.
The President was of the view that exporting candidates from Colombo
to represent the people of Sabaragamuwa and the North Central, would
prove futile as they had no understanding and a knowledge of the region,
unlike those who were born and bred within it.
He said that as a leader who hailed from the village, he fully
understood the problems encountered by villagers. It was with this
knowledge that he adopted a strategy and a policy of reversing
development programmes confined only to Colombo and its suburbs, to the
village, which resulted in a resurgence of the village.
We are not only successfully battling with the LTTE. We have a
definite ‘10 year’ programme with specific targets, to confront the
basic issues such as the rising costs of food and energy.
“With prudence and foresight, we have formulated elaborate plans to
avert the energy crisis, by the construction of Norochcholai and
Kerawalapitiya power projects, and become self-sufficient in food by our
mega irrigation projects such as the Moragahakanda and Parakrama
Samudraya. We have our plans.
We will not reverse or shift from them under any circumstances under
the influence of anybody”, he said. He noted that his Government was
receiving the required aid from the World Bank, the Asian Development
Bank, Japan, Iran, India and China as envisaged, and would not face any
problems as indicated by certain parties who themselves may try to
stifle the development.
President Rajapaksa added that funds were being allocated for the
construction of all roads within the Provincial Council purview, in the
country.
Ministers Rajitha Senarathna, Bandula Gunawardena, John Senevirathna,
Pavithradevi Wanniarachchai and the Chairman of the LRC Nimal G.
Punchihewa also addressed the ceremony. |