The report prepared by the Amnesty International neglected the Government's policy of open and constructive engagement with the International Community and International Human Rights bodies, charged Deputy Solicitor General Shavindra Fernando is a statement issued yesterday.
"The report titled 'SRI LANKA – SILIENCING DISSENT' is based on alleged threats to the media and media freedom," said Mr. Shavindra, who specified several measures adopted by the Government of Sri Lanka to enhance protection of human rights in the country.
Fernando said that the Amnesty International report fails to acknowledge the many positive steps taken by Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) to promote freedom of expression which is also enshrined in the Constitution and also to enhance protection in an environment of combating terrorism and shadowy killers; the re-issuing of Presidential guidelines on arrest, the setting up of Independent Commissions of Inquiry, the crackdown by the police which has resulted in a decrease of allegations of abductions and disappearances, as well as invitations extended to special procedures mandate holders to visit Sri Lanka and present easy to implement recommendations to enhance protection.
The functioning of 14 media stations in the country is a clear and ample example to project the media freedom enjoyed by Sri Lanka media organizations, he said.
"A look at some of the weekend newspapers would prove the level of freedom enjoyed by the press in Sri Lanka to criticize anyone in particular senior government figures," he added.
"While affirming the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to uphold media freedom, the Government rejects attempts to denigrate national institutions in the eyes of the international community to achieve petty political objectives," the Sri Lanka Permanent Mission to the United Nations office in Geneva said on Monday (12), quoting Fernando.
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