Rajpal Abeynayake countered well the claims made about media freedom by Nimalka Fernando
Posted on March 19th, 2012
Several NGO personalities are currently in Geneva, supporting the US Resolution, along with key members of pro-LTTE groups in the West such as Fr. Emmannuel of the London-based Global Tamil Forum and representatives of Amnesty International (Peter Splinter) and Channel 4 (John Snow). The Sri Lankan delegation as well as others have taken these individuals head-on in various side events in Geneva and countered their claims. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu (CPA), seen together with Fr. Emmannuel, who openly praised him (Saravanamuttu), remained silent when Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha strongly countered criticism against Sri Lanka.
There has been much reference to the latest Channel 4 documentary on Sri Lanka by both groups, with the Sri Lankan delegation rejecting claims made and pointing out that the material presented was not new and had been vigorously refuted before. It was also pointed out that much progress has been made on the accountability front consequent to the LLRC releasing its report.
Rajpal Abeynayake, Editor of Lakbima News, countered well the claims made about media freedom by Nimalka Fernando. Conspicuous by his silence was Sunanda Deshapriya, a vociferous objector of the Government in all kinds of forum, when Abeynayake refuted allegations made by Ms. Fernando.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The Resolution is likely to be taken up for vote on March 22nd. Meanwhile, both Sri Lanka and others supporting the US Resolution are due to hold side-events to bolster their respective positions from Monday to Wednesday.