Dialog Unblocked Colombo Telegraph For Dhanapala To Address A Public Meeting

March 26, 2014 

Dialog one of Sri Lanka’s key telecommunications providers, which had been surreptitious blocking access to Colombo Telegraph, over a period of time has lifted the illegal ban on Colombo Telegraph for its DirectorJayantha Dhanapala to give a speech in a public meeting, the Colombo Telegraph can reveal today.

Screenshot yesterday by a CT reader who uses Dialog

“I’m able to access CT via my iPhone today (dialog). Hadn’t been able to for a while” a Colombo Telegraph reader has sent us a message yesterday. Another reader messaged “Now the CT is not blocked, who did this?Jayantha D?”

Dhanpala, member of the Board of Directors, Dialog Axiata PLC, key co-signatory of theFriday Forum and much sought after resource person for workshops, seminars and conferences on good governance, was a speaker at the BASL summoned Public Forumon the vesting of Police Powers on the Army Navy and Air Force and the break down of the Rule of Law situation yesterday. “Dialog unblocked the CT to avoid questions and embarrassment ” sources within the Dialog told Colombo Telegraph.

“Dhanapala and Dialog Axiata PLC must explain why they have blocked Colombo Telegraph” readers within the Dialog told Colombo Telegraph.

The Dialog Axiata PLC’s 2013 annual report  is clear that: “The Board has separate and independent access to the Group’s Senior Management… ..The directors, especially non-executive directors, have access to independent professional advice in the course of fulfilling their responsibilities, at the Company’s expense.”

Dhanapala is an “Independent, non-executive” director of Dialog, and would in accordance with company policy, have “independent access to the group’s senior management,” and also “professional advice,” on the legal status of the blocking.

When contacted for comment on the ‘aims and objectives’ of the Friday Forum, a prominent member replied that it was committed to supporting the “rule of law,” “freedom of information and expression,” and  “an independent media.”

While Colombo Telegraph has no direct information of the quantum of compensation Dialog pays Jayantha Dhanapala, the 2013 annual report of lists an amount in excess of 76 million Rupees, as directors compensation for the entire board of 8 members, who meet 7 times a year.

Colombo Telegraph is being blocked by all internet service providers and mobile networks – private and state owned – in Sri Lanka.