Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is seriously concerned about the continuous threats on journalists, the latest being on the Editor of the Daily Mirror. It is the basic duty of the government to create an atmosphere where democratic partners including the media and civil society organizations can operate. Continuous attempts to curtail the freedom and independence of the media and civil society organizations would result in not only the erosion of democracy but also rampant corruption. Media is undoubtedly an institutional form of democracy, which needs to be preserved and respected.
Unfortunately, the current polarized socio-political environment has a tendency to undermine democratic norms and has created a perfect arena for powerful individuals to act with impunity. The violent and ruthless campaign of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam, and other armed groups have contributed tremendously to the erosion of democracy in the country. Short sighted political strategies by all political parties representing the parliament today have been responsible for preventing the improvement of democratic institutions after the 17th Amendment, which has left the country with an unconstitutional public sector regime.
There is therefore an urgent need to arrest the present trend immediately, which effort has to be lead by the government itself. Bona fides of the political leadership should be demonstrated by taking effective measures to prevent any further threats on journalists, independent opinion makers and activists with dissenting views thereby preventing further deterioration of the current situation. We are mindful of the fact that democracy is fragile and needs to be protected with commitment and dedication and will not survive unless the legitimate space is preserved for media and civil society.