Sajith warns govt. may use PTA against media

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday warned that the government might use Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to suppress media institutions and harass journalists.

Addressing the media in Colombo yesterday, Premadasa said that the government was increasing suppression against political opponents.

“Some government MPs are now insulting courts and threatening media institutions. These MPs who have lost the respect of the people. The government is using these stooges to unleash state terror to suppress dissidents,” he said.

The Opposition leader said that former MP Ranjan Ramanayake was still in jail for contempt of court. However, compared to what some government MPs are saying about the judicial system, the utterances of Ramanayake paled into insignificance, Premadasa said.

“Contempt of court is only applicable to Ranjan. There are some stooges of the government, who claim the courts are lenient towards protesters. These MPs claim that the courts aren’t doing the right thing.

They are trying to have the people believe that the judicial system is biased. But they have got off scot-free,” he said.

The Opposition leader added that the government is also oppressing the media. Some government MPs are insulting journalists and threatening them, he said. Soon the PTA would be used to silence journalists, Premadasa said.

“I ask the government to keep these stooges on a tight leash. They have no political future and are ready to do anything to curry favour with those who control the government. If the government continues with its undemocratic practices, we will take to the streets. Don’t make us do it. We are ready to help the government by working through the Parliament Committees. However, we are not ready to tolerate oppression. We urge the government to protect democratic practices and human rights,” he said.