Media group files case against Sri Lankan government for blocking websites

The local media right organization, Free Media Movement (FMM) has initiated legal action against the Sri Lankan government's blocking of several websites allegedly containing slanderous material against the government and the people.


The FMM filed a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court on Monday alleging that the blocking of the websites obstructs the public's right to information and freedom of expression, according to FMM convener, Sunil Jayasekera.

The Ministry of Mass Media and Information last month ordered the telecom companies to block access to five websites in the country. It also issued a directive for all the websites carrying Sri Lankan news to register with the Ministry.

Issuing a statement, the Ministry, said various individuals, who have been subjected to defamation and character assassination by certain reports published in these websites, have lodged complaints.

The Ministry recommended the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) to temporarily block some websites which were giving false information and discrediting the image of the President, government and top officials in the country disregarding media ethics and violate their privacy.

The blocked sites are www.lankaenews.com, srilankamirror.com, srilankaguardian.com, paparasinews.com, gossip9.com and www.lankawaynews.com.

During the hearing of a suit filed by one of the blocked websites recently, the country's apex court allowed the Ministry to continue with its request to register websites that disseminate news and information on the country and its people.

The United States and European Union expressed concern over the government's decision to block the sites and urges to respect the rights of the media to ensure freedom of expression.