Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Thursday, 1 June 2023 02:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: SJB MPs Dr. Harsha de Silva, Kabir Hashim and Eran Wickramaratne at the media briefing yesterday
Given the recent concerning events, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday said it will fight to protect the democratic rights of the country’s people.
Addressing a press conference on the current status of the economy, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said the party will strongly oppose any actions of the Government that will threaten democratic values and assured that the SJB will fight to protect the freedoms of the people.
The MP noted that the Government has failed to enact the Prevention of Terrorism Act due to it being broad in nature while many groups have also strongly opposed it.
“Now we hear of a proposed Broadcasting Authority Bill. We admit that broadcasters need to adhere to certain criteria and must obtain an annual license while maintaining a healthy competition as other accepted frameworks the world over,” the MP said. He also noted that over the years licenses have been provided according to the whims and fancies of various persons. “Therefore, over the years it was discussed to introduce such an act for the sake of good governance,” he added.
De Silva however raised several concerns regarding the newly proposed draft bill. “It is evident what they are trying to do,” he said.
According to de Silva, it mentions that broadcasters must provide accurate information to the public and freedom of expression. “It also proposes a regulatory authority for electronic broadcasting services which is not limited to radio but includes various forms of media. It also states all broadcasters must ensure their broadcasts are not a threat to the country’s national security, economy, law and order. If the regulatory authority decides a program has threatened either of these the broadcaster’s license can be cancelled,” he noted.
The MP said various parties may have different opinions on the economy and they should have the freedom to express it during a broadcast. A regulatory authority cannot be allowed to decide on how we inform the people about the economy,” he said. “They are attempting to implement Goebbels’ Principles,” he alleged. The MP said this will be a death blow to the democracy of the country. “Through this new bill, they are attempting to achieve what they set out to but could not by failing to enact the PTA,” he said.
Joining the discussion, MP Eran Wickremaratne, touched on recent arrests under the ICCPR act and said these are all part of actions by the government to distract the public from prevailing issues. He noted that people have a right to freedom of expression and this must not be mixed up with malicious efforts to incite religious or racial disharmony.
“Don’t use the PTA and the ICCPR to arrest and label people. The courts can determine if someone has done anything wrong. What we are doing is standing up for the people’s rights. Society must learn to be tolerant, but the government is only creating problems,” Wickremaratne said.
The MP charged the state is only interested in making criminals out of civilians, whilst it turns a blind eye to politicians caught red-handed breaking the law. Referring to the MP who was caught smuggling gold and mobile phones through the airport, Wickremeratne urged the speaker to act as per parliamentary regulations and take action against the MP, in order to try to save the dignity of the other 224 members in the house.
He added the government was also spreading false information that representatives to the HRCSL are delayed due to a dispute within the opposition and stated there is no truth to these reports.
The party also revealed it has requested a parliamentary debate on how the government proposes to help small and medium businesses to overcome difficulties and generate growth and employment across the country. SJB MP Kabir Hashim, noted that 45% of jobs lie in the SME sector, and it is imperative the government devises mechanisms to protect those engaged in the segment.
Hashim noted that despite a circular being issued to extend moratoriums and benefits afforded to SMEs since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, these benefits are enjoyed almost exclusively by larger businesses, and the government has taken no corrective measures in this regard.
“As per the Central Bank, over 3.3 million applications have been received for applications worth over Rs. 5,994 billion to restructure loans. We want to ask the minister concerned what progress has been made in this regard. Poverty is on the rise as people lose jobs. One out of every six Sri Lankans is poor. No action has been taken, they are only concerned with what positions and perks they receive. We need to have a homegrown solution to look after our citizens, as the IMF program only considers economic stability in the short-term,” Hashim said.
The Kegalle district MP added the government is only interested in creating distractions citing extremist and religious diversions.
