Government plans to establish a tribunal for social and electronic media

COLOMBO (News 1st): Civic and political groups have revealed that the government is taking steps to suppress social media and electronic media outlets. Convener of the Professional Web Journalists Association Freddy Gamage said the Government is trying to suppress media institutions. They are trying to amend the Press Council act once again with the approval of the cabinet. They are trying to set up an institution to hear lawsuits filed against journalists," Freddy Gamage added. Speaking on the matter, Propaganda Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party Pubudu Jayagoda said establishing a tribunal translates to the establishment of a body with judicial powers. He added that the Government is trying to establish a body with judicial powers, to take political revenge against media institutions and journalists who expose several matters or bear a stance that is contradictory to the viewpoint of the government. "There are laws under which defamation cases can be filed against a media outlet or a journalist for publishing false information. But why is a special tribunal required for this? Who will head this tribunal?," Pubudu Jayagoda questioned.