By Colombo Telegraph –
BBCs Chandana Keerthi Bandara is using BBC resources to defend himself the Colombo Telegraph can exclusively reveal today.
Bandara used BBC phone lines yesterday to call several well-known intellectuals urging them not to share Colombo Telegraph stories related to his misconduct as a BBC journalist on Facebook.
Bandara
Sunday afternoon as soon as Bandara came to BBC he rang several intellectuals and political commentators around the world requesting that he needed to talk to them and urging them to wait until he finished the programme. (He is the Sunday Editor of the Sinhala Sandeshaya) The move came after after the Colombo Telegraph announced that the leader of the party he belongs to (Nava Sama Samaja Party) Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne’s submissions will not be published for reasons of intellectual dishonesty and political irresponsibility with regard to Karunaratne’s attempt to cover up Bandara’s misconduct.
Sunday afternoon he rang several university teachers and activists both in Sri Lanka and elsewhere and admitted he applied for the government interest-free loans of Rs. 1,200,000/- from state banks to purchase cars or vans, where the interest will be paid by the Treasury using tax payer money along with some thousand plus applicants. He told them that the government approved the applications of some five hundred journalists. He had raised the question; ‘why is Colombo Telegraph targeting only BBC journalists?’ He then said they are campaigning for Tamil rights and accused Colombo Telegraph’s journalists of working against them. Naming one journalist who openly associates with Colombo Telegraph he said the Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremasinghe and Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives and founder member of the Board of the Sri Lankan chapter of Transparency International are friends of this particular journalist. He further said that this is why both Ranil and Saravanamuttu urged BBC to investigate its misconduct related to applying for this particular loan by its journalist.
In November 18 the the former head of the BBC Sinhala Service Vasantha Raja said; “I see this interest-free motor vehicle loan as a sort of a ‘bribe’. I don’t think it’s appropriate at all for a BBC journalist to take this. Obviously it will damage their credibility.”
Colombo Telegraph would like to clarify that we have no hidden agenda against the BBC or its journalists or any other media institution. (Colombo Telegraph the only Sri Lankan media organisation which has participated, talked, suggested amendments to the draft and signed the London Statement: Demanding Strong UN Action To Stop The killings Of journalists, the BBC organised at its headquarters.) We see Sri Lankan government scheme as an attempt to purchase loyalty of journalists. In Sri Lanka there is ongoing censorship and media suppression. This includes securing of media institutions by regime loyalists. We also hold the view that media is largely corrupt. We were therefore shocked when we found that BBC journalists also applied for loans. These applicants are signatories to BBC contractual caveats pertaining to integrity, including acceptance of gifts which could compromise independence and objectivity in reporting.
The question raised by many commentators is that if BBCs journalists have not done anything wrong why did Dr Vickramabahu Karunaratne phone the Leader of the Opposition and ask him not complain Lord Christopher Patten.
Meanwhile placing a comment under the article ‘No More Dr. Vickramabahu’s Columns’ A former professor of the University of Colombo, Dr Laksiri Fernando said; ‘If I remember correct, Keerthi Bandara is the person who once (January 2010) distorted my views on the presidential system (saying that I defended the system!) when he interviewed me from the BBC which in fact distorted my views. Then someone called ‘Citizen Somapala’ used it against me for a spicy story even challenging my teaching.’
Placing a comment under the same article Dr Karunaratne said; ‘thanks let the time resolve’ , he did not answer the questions Colombo Telegraph raised.
Asking for anonymity because he didn’t want to be targeted by the ‘laptop and interest free loan’ media November 23, a UNP front line leader said; “Last Sunday (18th Novemr) BBC Sinhala Service Colombo Reporter filed a distorted report on the Opposition Leader’s press conference and attacked him. The BBC didn’t report what the leader said in full and just criticised him for not answering BBC questions. The BBC even failed to report what the questions were.
Related posts;
No More Dr. Vickramabahu’s Columns
Left-Right Collusion: Socialist Bahu Called Capitalist Ranil And Urged Not To Expose BBC Misconduct
BBC Pussyfooting On “Takes” From SL Govt’
leel / December 24, 2012
this is the first time that i saw him in a picture. he looks like bloody rogue
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Denzel Washington / December 25, 2012
I seriously suggest that concerned readers should go to the following BBC link & make a complaint about CKB.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
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manuri Radhika-toronto / December 26, 2012
I would say the same…never before had seen this Banda guy knor cared much for his reporting ….
but one thing is right…Media is corrupted and heavily corrupted…the whole system has failed including the government/judiciary and the media……..
there can’t be any better claim ….sadly…
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Patta Pal / December 24, 2012
Looks like Chandana Keerthi Bandara has compromised his integrity. He had better make amends soon before the BBC does their homework and outs him!
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Safa / December 24, 2012
BBC is supposed to be one of the top ten news streams in the world so Mr Bandara cannot compare himself to other jouranlists. I suppose this is the reason why we dont get much coverage of the situation here. Same for the other news streams like CNN, AL Jazeerah etc. Govt has managed to buy over the whole lot. Breakfast at Temple Trees?
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Ronaldo / December 24, 2012
BBC reputation at stake !!
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len / December 25, 2012
What! reputation?
THE BBC has not sacked a single executive, despite admitting that a lack of leadership left it in such a state of ”chaos” that it was ”completely incapable” of dealing with the Jimmy Savile sex abuse allegations.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/bbc-bosses-keep-jobs-despite-failure-to-act-in-savile-case-20121220-2bpfd.html#ixzz2G1Vu3LVV
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Cyril / December 24, 2012
Cee Kay Bandara might say that he applied for this loan on a decision made by the Political Bureau of his party, the Nava Samasamaja Party, in the interest of driving to socialism in Sri Lanka! ha!ha!ha!
1
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Chaminda Tilakumara / December 24, 2012
The real question that should be asked is, as he is a UK tax payer, if these monies were declared to the UK Inland Revenue.
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Louis / December 24, 2012
My dear friend forget about news streams. Now the news reporting is in your hand, your smart phone, using it you upload news and video to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Skype, Fring, Vibber,ooVoo etc. You have your own TV channel in YouTube from your kitchen table. Every day they upload six million videos to YouTube.
Using the internet and the social media only Arab Spring came this far.
In Egypt that Google Executive secretly instigated the fall of Mubarak.
After the fall of the dictator only he came to the open and the people knew who was he. Now no body could hide any thing, news travel at lighting speed. Even in Syria with all disruption to the communication
networks by Azad’s stooga, still news and videos are being sent freely to the social media. This makes the people to move forward with the revolution to get ride the dictator Azad.
These days people are not depend on main stream news media for their news, they get all the news from the man on the street Citizen jouralists.
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Safa / December 25, 2012
Thanks. I think this a very valuable suggestion that could take the struggle to the next level. Needs some adaptation out of our usual way of doing things.
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sarath perera / December 25, 2012
we got his application he appliedv as ck bandara add rathnapura rd awissawella
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bakthi mendis / December 25, 2012
chandana keerthi are you think wev are fools your bank loan no is 30. national savin gs bank resign from the post
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Kiri Gamarala / December 25, 2012
Whither BBC? Hither tither.
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dicky Bird / December 25, 2012
H0owz aaattttttt ?
CKB & BBC are campaigning for Tamil Rights?
Then… BBC campaigns for Jimmy Saviles paedeophiling.
BBC appears quite busy showing the wrong thing right with people like CKB at the helm.
Anyway, CKB resembles an executioner capable of scaring away even Chris Patten who was not afraid of the spell of a curse by the Chinese for 1000 years.
CKB gets Chris Patten & thewy are all Tamil Rights campaigners.
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Director General / December 25, 2012
After the long Christmas holidays, the BBC should look at CKB’s and PL’s activities and as to whether these clash with BBC’s Editorial Guidelines, Section 15: Conflicts of Interest.
For example:
External Activities / Political Activities
http://tinyurl.com/crutbh5
15.4.20 – Political activity by individuals, including on-air talent on long-term contracts, must not compromise the BBC’s impartiality or undermine public confidence in the BBC……
Political activity or taking a public position on an issue of public policy, political or industrial controversy, or any other ‘controversial subject’ is likely to be incompatible with some BBC roles, especially in news, current affairs……
Advance discussion with line managers is essential.Chief Adviser Politics must be consulted at an early stage if there is any possibility of political activity being perceived as a risk to BBC impartiality.
External Activities / Personal Benefits
http://tinyurl.com/bpzq2d4
15.4.30 – Under no circumstances should anyone working for the BBC receive personal benefits from suppliers or accept goods or services as inducements.
Any acceptance of hospitality from outside bodies or companies must be considered carefully to ensure it does not constitute a conflict of interest or otherwise undermine the BBC’s integrity or impartiality.
Individuals must not accept personal benefits, or benefits for their family or close personal relations, from organisations or people with whom they might have dealings on the BBC’s behalf. Unacceptable personal benefits include goods, discounts, services, cash, loans, gratuities, or entertainment outside the normal scope of business hospitality.
Any exception to this must be referred to the relevant head of department, who should normally consult Editorial Policy, to establish whether accepting the offer constitutes a conflict of interest.
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Leftist looter / December 27, 2012
a good suggestion.
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Jayantha / December 25, 2012
What I don’t understand is never in our history non of the former Prime Ministers or Presidents offered these types of Bribes to anybody.
Starting from bribing LTTE VP, the 100 odd opposition MP’s to cross over, to buddhist preletes, to Reporters and media personnel, artists and cultural academics, Tax Free car permits for all MP’s, and now the latest is…… Mercedes Benz cars for Judges and Senior Lawyers.
Whose money is President allocating for these BRIBES….Aren’t these people work same like those other millions of workers who contribute to out economy. So why special treatment other than BRIBING THEM TO SUPPORT MR regime.
Similarly Going to visit opposition MP’s in hospitals, calling to wish them on Birthdays…..visiting all over the country on all Buddhist cultural events etc…etc..are a waste of time and money that should be utilised for country’s growth.
What we as tax payers want to know is if there is a seperate section in our Annual Budget…..and if the amounts been allocated to give these Extra BRIBES TO PEOPLE…WHICH I DON’T SEE IN OUR BUDGET REPORT.
It may be said when a contract is awarded a 10% commission to be given to receiving party….but not to Bribe anybody to get their vote or favour.
president has to stop this unnecessary Tax payer money wasting nonsense and concentrate more time and effort to uplift peoples lives and country’s economy.
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K.A Sumanasekera / December 26, 2012
The Diaspora and the TNA backers appear to be gutted by Mr Banda’s application for a Sharia Loan from the Govt.
This is despite Banda’s open declaration that he is working for “Tamil Rights”.
Surely one would think that the independent BBC would have done exhaustive background checks on this dude before putting him at the desk as the Sunday Editor of BBC Sinhala.
LKR 1.2 Million is really peanuts .when a 3 BR apartment in Colombo 6 costs over LKR 0.5 Million a year.to lease.
Dr Bahu,s calls to Messers Ranil and Pakiasothi are perhaps just a favor for a financially struggling proletariat mate.and nothing else.
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kumar / December 26, 2012
Ade Anndi’Free permit?Dream car money still lying in the Ratnapura area Bank.Refund as soon as possible.for ward this all the email to Lord Pattern to tell the correct story.Let R. Wickramasinghe or Bahu to settle their political settlements.What a Shame? kudalle mette thiyan baha.
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Karuna / December 27, 2012
Shameless bugger , a wealthy business man cum journalist cum London money collector. Even this applying this loan is okay, how come this rich Londoner applied it? Forget about BBC ethics or GSL bribes . My question is that?
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Cyril / December 27, 2012
This Banda & Elmo might not have applied for this loyalty-buying loan without the go-ahead from their boss, Priyath. Have they consulted the Head of BBC Editorial Policy as there appears to be a conflict of interest issue in applying for a loan from the scheme set up by the Sri Lankan President for the express purpose of buying the loyalty of journalists
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Herath / January 6, 2013
The biggest culprit in the whole sage is priyath.
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