'Hands off the media', warns the Opposition Leader

by Staff Writer 18-11-2020 | 6:57 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Opposition Lawmakers claim media, social media, civil and political activists were subject to interrogation or were arrested in recent days for expressing their opinion on certain matters.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stressed the constitution enshrines the right to speech and expression.

Noting that he too was a victim of social media and media criticism, Sajith Premadasa said he never hunted those who criticized him.

He alleged the government is resorting to many undemocratic means of intimidating activists, especially those who voice concerns on social media.

Hands off the media, said Sajith Premadasa adding the government must learn to accept criticism.

Dr. Harsha De Silva from the Samagi Jana Balavegaya said according to a local newspaper in the recent past 30 people who criticized the government were imprisoned.

He said his colleague Eran Wickramaratne was among those summoned to the CID and urged the government not to resort to intimidation.

"Democracy still exists in this country, therefore the government cannot give us excuses," he said.

On a related note, Civil Activist Chirantha Amarasinghe was arrested last evening by the Criminal Investigations Department at his Piliyandala Residence for a comment made on social media.

He was released on a personal bail of Rs. 100,000/- by the Colombo Magistrate's Court.