Unlawful Restrictions On Media By State Or Private Actors Is A Matter Of Serious Public Concern And Must Be Questioned – Bishop Chickera And Prof. Savitri
March 27, 2014
“We appreciate the work of Colombo Telegraph in raising important issues of public interest. Freedom of speech expression and the connected right to information are important for all citizens of this country, and the current interruption of news through Colombo Telegraph is a violation of our rights. Unlawful restrictions on the media by the State or private actors is a matter of serious public concern and must be questioned.” two prominent members of the Friday Forum said today.
Prof. Savitri Goonesekere
Bishop Duleep de Chickera
Responding to a quarry by Colombo Telegraph Prof. Savitri Goonesekere and Bishop Duleep de Chickera, made above remarks today. We asked individual opinion form selected members of the Friday Forum on the serious conflict of interest arising fromJayantha Dhanapala‘s roles as a non-executive director of Dialog and as a member of the Friday Forum. So far we have only heard from JC Weliamuna, Prof. Savitri Goonesekere and Bishop Duleep de Chickera.
Ten days ago we wrote to them seeking their individual opinion; “As a member of the Friday Forum, and associated with its public statements that are often issued under the signature of Mr. Dhanapala, we would like to know what your personal view is of this serious conflict of interest. We think it is of fundamental public concern, and critical to the credibility of civil society voices both individual and collective, that your views are made known.”
Sending a joint reply, Prof Goonesekere and Bishop Chickera said; “In regard to the issue of conflict of interest raised in your letter, we wish to point out that members of the Friday Forum have diverse professional interests. They engage with the State and the private sector. Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala in his personal capacity can have professional connections with the Company you refer to in your letter. We are confident that he will address issues of Company policy involving the public interest with fairness and personal integrity, respecting legal norms and standards of accountable corporate governance.
“Jayantha Dhanapala has provided wise and timely leadership on issues of public concern, which in our view needs to be affirmed in an environment where such leadership is critically important for our country.”
Picture Evidence: After Dhanapala Addressed BASL Meeting Dialog Blocked Colombo Telegraph Again
March 27, 2014
After its Director Jayantha Dhanapala gave a speech in a public meeting, Dialog one of Sri Lanka’s key telecommunications providers blocked Colombo Telegraph again.
Jayantha Dhanapala
Dialog had been surreptitious blocking access to Colombo Telegraph, over a period of time had lifted the illegal ban on Colombo Telegraph for its Director Jayantha Dhanapala to give a speech at the BASL summoned Public Forum on the vesting of Police Powers on the Army Navy and Air Force and the break down of the Rule of Law situation on March 25, 2014.
Dhanpala, member of the Board of Directors, Dialog Axiata PLC, key co-signatory of the Friday Forum, a resource person for workshops, seminars and conferences on good governance and the former Under Secretary General United Nations.
Colombo Telegraph is being blocked by all internet service providers and mobile networks – private and state owned – in Sri Lanka. We publish below two screenshots provided by Dialog customers;Read More
