News
FMM calls on govt. to stop using CID to suppress media
The Free Media Movement yesterday called on the government to immediately stop what it called the suppression of journalists using the CID.
In a statement issued to the media the FMM said: Tharindu Uduwaragedara, a journalist, media activist and human rights activist, has been summoned to appear before the CID on 28 June 2022. The Free Media Movement, considers this as an extension of the ongoing anti-democratic movement implemented through the CID to crack down on media activists and free-thinking activists, and vehemently opposes and strongly condemns these actions.
When conducting further inquiries regarding this summons, it was reported that the summons has been made in connection with a complaint lodged by the Air Force Intelligence regarding an investigation on a YouTube channel called ‘Satahana’ maintained by Tharindu. No specific news item was indicated on the complaint, while the majority of the videos posted on the channel were reported to be under investigation stating that there was a discrepancy between their content and the headlines used.
It is clear from the explanations provided that this is an arbitrary investigation carried out without any basic understanding of journalism. Special units such as the ‘Criminal Investigation Department’ are operated at the expense of public funds in a country, not for such ridiculous purposes but for serious criminal investigations that require specific expertise. Over the past 18 months, the Free Media Movement has continued to monitor activities against journalists, social activists and citizens who have exercised their right to freedom of expression of police units, including the Criminal Investigation Department and the Terrorism Investigation Unit (TID). It has been clear that most of these actions against journalists have been without any justifiable reason and a clear violation of media freedom and their fundamental right to freedom of expression. It needs to be stated specifically, that these divisions failed to provide clear evidence even in the few instances in which legal action was initiated. The case against the poet Ahnaf Jazeem is the closest example of an incident that has brought disrepute to Sri Lanka even internationally.
In the past two months, activists of the public agitation against the President and the current government, as well as several journalists and social media activists who have been active contributors, have been summoned to the CID for questioning, and even lawyers representing the rights of the protesters have been questioned. The Free Media Movement has repeatedly pointed out that this seriously threatens freedom of expression, including media freedom of journalists.
At a time when international assistance is essential to save Sri Lanka from its unfortunate situation, the violation of fundamental rights by the CID is a serious matter.
Therefore, we urge the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Security, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, the Inspector General of Police and other authorities to immediately stop this arbitrary action of the CID of summoning and interrogating those who use their freedom of expression through the media or any other medium.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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