Young leaders of opposition parties and civil organisations came together to protest against the current government’s suppression of the media.
The collective comprised youth factions of various political parties, student unions, and voluntary organisations that collectively expressed their vehement opposition to the recent acts by the government to curtail freedom of speech and media freedom.
They defined media freedom as a part of freedom of speech and opinion. They underscored that media suppression will affect democracy and limit the public’s right to opinion and speak.
They explained that the suppression of social activists while issuing statements that affect the digital and print media is limiting public opinion and the right to expression.
Furthermore, they pointed out that it is very different how the government behaves in relation to media now and what they have said about media freedom before coming to power.
As a solution to this matter, the group suggested that the government and representatives stop all threats directed against the media inside and outside the parliament.
They demanded the security and freedom of journalists and social media activists and emphasised the need for the government to take critical, practical action to safeguard the public’s right to expression.
The collective also signed a letter directed to all the media stations, highlighting the need to fight to secure the right to democracy in Sri Lanka by securing media freedom.
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