Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo today, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka refuted claims made by Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa that pressure is being exerted on the media.
Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka stated that anyone would agree that there is media freedom in the country today, and it is known by all, about how the former president manipulated the media.
Min.Ranawaka went on to explain that certain media institutions and journalists were bought over for money to carry out his own political activities, and others were punished, media institutions like Sirasa were burnt and journalists like Lasantha Wickrematunge were murdered out in the open and a series of such events took place.
“He cannot talk about these things today. He does not have the right to talk about the suppression of the media”, charged the minster
Minister Champika Ranawaka also expressed views on the statement made by Retired Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva that the Sirasa Media Institution obtained from the LTTE
“He knows exactly who gave money to the LTTE” said the minister and went on to further note that allegations were raised that a sum of 800 million rupees was paid to the LTTE during the 2005 elections and today this has proven to be true. But the only issue is that the hearing for this case have been concealed by various courts.”
The minster noted that if there is such a thing in relation to Sirasa it should be investigated.
The minister went on to add that the Former C.J has said that Mahinda Rajapaksa was released from the Helping Hambantota case, and then he said that was one of the biggest political crimes which have been committed and that Mahinda should be in jail.
“What Sarath N. Silva says should not be believed”, said the minister noting that as a person who is familiar with the law, he should make such allegations with facts and he cannot speak for the sake of speaking
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