President vows to uphold freedom of expression

During the launch event of online passport issuance at the Homagama Divisional Secretariat, President Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed his dedication to upholding freedom of expression. He highlighted repealing the criminal defamation law, a significant step not yet taken by any other country in the region.

 

 

President Wickremesinghe emphasized that the proposed Electronic Broadcasting Regulatory Commission Act aims to redress individuals harmed by electronic media. He mentioned that this approach is implemented in countries worldwide and has instructed the inclusion of guidelines from the United Kingdom's electronic media regulations in Sri Lanka's implementation.

 

 

The President announced the implementation of digitization across all government sectors to establish comprehensive facilities where the public can conveniently access all necessary documents from birth to death in one location. As part of this initiative, passport applicants can now benefit from a simplified online application process available through 51 Divisional Secretariat offices across all 25 country districts.

 

 

President Wickremesinghe expressed his views set the digitization process commences that day and will extend to various sectors in the coming years. He acknowledged the initial responsibility taken by Minister Tiran Alles and the Ministry in this regard.

 

 

The President assigned a ministry to handle documentation from birth to death, including immigration, emigration permits, and national identity cards, emphasizing their importance in people's lives. He expressed confidence that Minister Tiran Alles's ministry will successfully carry out these activities.

 

 

Regarding media concerns, President Wickremesinghe expected journalists to protest, expressing concerns about media freedom being undermined. He clarified that he had removed the provision for criminal defamation from the Penal Code. Sri Lanka stands firm in safeguarding freedom of expression. He also highlighted that every country has measures to assist those harmed by the media.

 

 

The President mentioned instances where false statements were made through electronic media, causing harm to individuals, including himself. He proposed the establishment of an organization where individuals could register complaints in such cases. He emphasized the need to follow guidelines and suggested incorporating guidelines from the UK electronic media regulations to ensure fairness.

 

 

President Wickremesinghe instructed the Attorney General to present the proposed regulations in terms comparable to those in the UK to draw precedents. He acknowledged various issues in the media landscape, including unauthorized broadcasting and educational authorizations, and expressed the intention to address them.

 

 

He reassured that the Act aims to provide a legal avenue for individuals to seek solutions through the court if necessary while maintaining the minister's power to revoke broadcasting licenses. The President mentioned the possibility of renewing licenses every ten years, stressing the importance of these licenses being used for the country's benefit.

 

 

President Wickremesinghe urged the media not to fear the process and expressed gratitude to Minister Bandula Gunawardena for his development initiatives in Homagama. He encouraged open communication and addressed any concerns with the Minister of Communications.