SLFP Colombo District MP Thilanga Sumathipala whose family is in the newspaper publishing industry through the Lakbima Group has presented a Private Member’s motion to ensure media freedom and right to information.
Meanwhile, UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya who had presented a draft bill on the Right to Freedom of Information was last week requested by government to withdraw this bill as the government itself planned to present such legislation.
Although senior UNPers privately expressed the view that “nothing will happen,” Jayasuriya did not insist on his bill remaining in the order book as it could remain there forever if no date for considering it was granted by government.
Sumathipala’s motion reads as follows:
“Ensuring media freedom and right to information – whereas right to information and expression has been established within the Constitution itself and whereas there is no opportunity to hide or conceal the truth in a world where technology is developing, this Parliament resolves that all citizens of a democratic country be granted the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding through the free media.”