Conducive climate for press freedom - Dy Media Minister

The opportunity has arrived for Sri Lankans to decide on the path to be followed in realising the aims of the International Press Freedom Day, Deputy Media Minister Dr. Mervyn Silva said.

This is so in a background where democratic rights of the people have been further extended with the ending of the 30-year war and the transformation of the country from a war-time media environment to a one under a peaceful climate.

Issuing a release to mark International Press Freedom Day which falls today, the Deputy Minister observed that Chapter 19 of the UN Universal Human Rights Charter confers the right to all segments the freedom of independent thought and publication. He said: “Sri Lanka faced many difficulties in the recent past facing decisive moments in its history, all steps were taken to protect these rights.

“It is my firm belief that with the new situation that has dawned with the ending of the war in Sri Lanka there will be wider space for the elimination of obstacles placed against media freedom paving the way for a new media culture.

“On the one hand while taking all steps to strengthen media freedom, on the other hand measures will be taken to provide and expand avenues for training journalists and improve their lot through the provision of housing and pension facilities.”