The Free Media Movement (FMM) has urged the Sri Lankan government to demonstrate accountability and take immediate action in response to a recent statement by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) addressing growing concerns over freedom of expression and online safety.
In a public release, the FMM said it is closely monitoring the developments raised in the Commission’s statement alongside international stakeholders including the International Federation of Journalists.
The Commission’s findings highlight problematic police practices and legal frameworks that, it says, are undermining constitutionally guaranteed rights — particularly those affecting journalists and media freedom.
The full statement:
The Government Must Demonstrate Accountability Regarding the Human Rights Commission’s Statement on Freedom of Expression and Online Safety – Free Media Movement
The Free Media Movement (FMM) has paid close attention to the statement issued by the Human Rights Commission under reference number HRC/S/i/E/03/02/26. It has also informed that global stakeholders, including the International Federation of Journalists-of which it is a member-are already closely monitoring this matter.
In its statement, the Human Rights Commission has elaborated at length on the issues that have arisen in Sri Lanka concerning freedom of expression and online safety. It specifically points out that the actions of the Sri Lanka Police have been a major contributing factor to these concerns. The Commission notes that recent conduct of the police has indirectly interfered even with the professional activities of journalists.
The Human Rights Commission has drawn attention to the practice of summoning journalists and other activists before the police without providing clear reasons, in violation of circulars issued by the Inspector General of Police. In certain instances, the police have stated that journalists were summoned due to alleged defamation arising from media activities. However, freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution is restricted only within constitutionally prescribed limits.
Accordingly, defamation that is no longer a criminal offence cannot be acted upon by the police. Such matters constitute civil offences that must be resolved before courts of law. The Commission further observes that attempts by politicians and others to lodge complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department regarding defamation are efforts to portray defamation as a criminal offence.
The Human Rights Commission’s statement also addresses the Online Safety Act. While emphasizing the need to be mindful of online safety, the Commission points out that the current law does not address genuine needs. Therefore, as already demanded by many stakeholders, the government has the option to repeal this Act.
In addition, the Human Rights Commission has outlined a three-pronged approach that should be adopted to safeguard freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Constitution and in line with Sri Lanka s commitments under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations.
The Free Media Movement is of the view that the Government of Sri Lanka must give serious consideration to this statement and to the recommendations emphasized therein. This is a moment in which the accountability of the Sri Lankan government is being questioned. Accordingly, the Free Media Movement urges the government to take immediate steps to implement the recommendations set out in this statement. (Newswire)