Days ahead of the Commonwealth Summit in Colombo, the Government of Sri Lanka has devised ways and means to prevent foreign media personnel flooding the country to cover the summit from reporting on other issues in the country.
Charitha Herath
The CHOGM Task Force Secretariat in Sri Lanka has issued a directive to foreign media personnel accredited to cover the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo that they would require further clearance from the Government to pursue non-CHOGM related events and stories.
A notice signed by Media Ministry Secretary and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub Committee Charitha Herath says foreign media seeking to explore “non CHOGM related activities and stories” will have to apply to the Accreditation Division of the Ministry of Mass Media and Information.
The foreign journalists would have to follow the regular procedures outlined by the government information department.
Thiru / November 10, 2013
That makes it obvious that Sri Lanka has lots of abuses to hide in the country:
White vans, torture and sexual abuses of Tamils and war rehabilitation inmates, Massive Tamil land grabs, military repression of North and East, Structural genocide of Tamils, erasing war crime evidences, abuse of minority religions, killing of journalists, police apathy and torture, and authoritarian governance with non-implementation of laws. The list is even longer.
Otherwise, why are all these restrictions?
We demand international war crimes investigations.
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Dinuk / November 10, 2013
Oh my god did you see Mahinda Rajapassa’s address to the Commonwealth of Clowns Youth Forum – the guy is illiterate in English and talk such rubbish! The visiting youth were sniggering at the tosh!
What a bloody embarrassment this Clown who would be King of the Commonwealth of Clowns is. He has delusions of grandeur of having Cameron, Charles and Manmohan “under” him!
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Upasiri de Silva / November 11, 2013
Dink, what are you thinking. He, MR will be the Chair of the Commonwealth Association NOT the Head of the Commonwealth. Prince Charles is representing the Head of the COmmonwealth, and as long as Queen Elizebeth is the Queen, she will be the Head and MR comes below her.
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Kuveni / November 10, 2013
If Rajapassa takes over as Head of Commonwealth of Nations which he is desperate to do to boast that he is KING of the world, the Commonwealth will have to be shut down in Asia.
All these years this silly British Colonialism party was held in Africa and the White Commonwealth, but in Asia it is time to shut down this platform for Third World dictators and British influence peddling and arms merchants…
Time to fully end COLONIALISM and its mental enslavement..
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Spring Koha / November 11, 2013
What is keeping the brown sahibs from getting out of this charade?
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sarojini / November 11, 2013
Kuveni . SL is not a playground for foreigners ,. whether MP’s or not. They violated their visa regulations big time . Is SL supposed to ignore that . They applied for a tourist visa but were caught out by organising PRESS CONFERENCES . WOULD ANYONE having a holiday visa think of this ? HOW MANY COUNTRIES HAVE deported people for violating their visa requirements ? UK , USA Australia are notorious for this . why should SL be exempted from this ?
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Kalu Nangi / November 12, 2013
What is wrong in having a Press Conference? It is a method of giving information to the public….not a method of earning money!
Tell me Sarojini, when our VIP’s go abroad and hold Press Conferences in foreign soil (e.g. the learned Prof. G L Peiris) can they be thrown out of those countries like how our people treated these two Parliamentarians from Australia and New Zealand?
After this, our VIPs and VVIPs will have to be very careful as there is bound to be TIT for TAT in time to come!
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Anil / November 12, 2013
There is no special visa required to hold press conferences. If you come as a journalist or for a conference it is under holiday and visit visa.The other categories are religious, educational,employment and investment visas.
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Liberal One / November 10, 2013
I’m genuinely interested, is the demand for war crimes investigation is all to it or does the demand for tamil eelam come after that? You can tell the truth, matter of fact those who decide these things don’t read CT or care about what we think.
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JimSofty / November 12, 2013
Tamils want a War crime investigation during which they manipulate it to their side.
After that, they use it to negotiate a homeland in Sri Lanka.
Why don’t we investigate War crime during the all EELAM Wars and in between and at the beginning ?
Why it has to be only the final days of final eelam war ?
People have proved, that presently circulating war crime Videos are all LTTE work.
That is why they present evidence in the bankrupt TV channls and not in a proper court.
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Spring Koha / November 12, 2013
Ho Ho Ho Liberal one.
You are right about one thing; 90% of the people who matter will not read or understand or even know about what we are writing and commenting on here. Our little communications in some else’s second-hand language is a nice exercise to stay happy – like pissing in the wind.
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Rohan / November 11, 2013
If Sri Lanka has nothing to hide, why are they so worried?
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Thiru / November 11, 2013
A relevant note.
Martin Vickers, Conservative MP, UK:
Clearly there has been genocide taken place in Sri Lanka and the International Community needs to take the issue much more seriously and investigations should take place.
Source a video clip in English, above is a transcript by me from:
http://www.tamilwin.com/show-RUmrzBSVMZit7.html
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Thiru / November 11, 2013
Won’t they want to cover up continuing genocide taking place?
Martin Vickers, Conservative MP, UK:
Clearly there has been genocide taken place in Sri Lanka and the International Community needs to take the issue much more seriously and investigations should take place.
Source a video clip in English, above is a transcript by me from:
http://www.tamilwin.com/show-RUmrzBSVMZit7.html
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hendry kolla / November 10, 2013
No question that this regime is so guilty of so many abuses and torture, disappearances and war crimes that they fear the truth from coming out. What the idiots and criminals do not understand is that truth shall always prevail. It is only a question of time before these criminals and dictators will be made accountable . I wish Gota and family a happy stay in the confines of a civilized prison.
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sarojini / November 10, 2013
It is about time you realised the mind set of foreign journalists . Such a shame that SL are so ill informed and does not have a clue about the international stage. Are you not aware of the damage these journalists have inflicted on SL . Have you not heard of the documenataries that Channel4 have produced with assumptions and dubious footage making anyone to believe that SL is such an uncivilised country . ( to Hendry kola . Thiru )
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Kalu Nangi / November 12, 2013
Sarojini, you seem to be clueless as to how Channel 4 got those video clips and photographs. They were given by our own heros….the soldier boys! So blame our patriots for Rajapakse’s current misery and for the so called ‘damage inflicted on Sri Lanka’.
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Spring Koha / November 12, 2013
Aha Kalu Nangi…..you are up to date.
For years, first, colour photographs of the killings and rapes, later digital pictures of the killings and rapes have been for sale all over SL. I have personally seen them (and been offered copies) in Negombo, Chilaw, Kalpitiya and Puttalam. A few hundred rupees for us, but foreigners have to pay a little more. Kudu Ranjan from Kochchikade has a full set of pictures and videos and he also has some action shots of what our boys did doggy-style to bints in Haiti. Full HD! Sarojini: nothing ‘dubious’ about what I saw…and as Ranjan would say with a pained expression ‘mahaththayo, mewa sahathikai.
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Lapatiya / November 10, 2013
That is true. we should not allow them to do as they please. Actually all these foreign Journos are under the pay roll of Tamil Diaspora. some powerful western countries are ready pay heavily to those foreign Journos to get some information about our Dharmadveepaya.
Actually what our Mr. Gota should do is to assign at least 10 secret agents for each foreign Journalist to see where they visit and their secret meetings and so on. Later Mr. Gota can pass these information to White Van Brigade for further action.
In the meantime our Nihathamani Nayakathuma can invite all these foreign Journalists to his breakfast Media meeting with his Casino Journalists for them to see how our Liyanaappu’s and Casino Journalists enjoy their Media freedom while eating Kiribath, Lunumiris and Appa at the cost of Gen.Public. If the Foreign Journos need to have something hot also available in the next room. At the Media meeting these foreign Journos can meet our Media Giants like Rajpal Abenayaka, Malinda Seneviratna, Victor Ivan, Mahinda Abesundara, Karunadasa Suriarachchi, Keerthi Warnakulasuriya (Best fiction writer)etc. etc.
Actually our Palapurudu Nayakathuma can use this opportunity to tame those foreign Journos like our Independent Media Journalists by giving free Laptops and cash to buy a Car or Land in their countries like he did with Kamalesh Sharma.
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Kalu Nangi / November 12, 2013
Lapatiya, “they” are following your advice…..Some 14 MPs of the British Parliament are already in the pocket of the regime. The MPs have been traveling to Sri Lanka with spouse/ girl friend on our Tax Payers money and have been having a jolly good time. In return, they had promised to swear by the Holy Bible that the regime is totally free of war crimes. Apparently, they wanted to have another go in the “Paradise Island” to reconfirm their views during Chewing Gum time, (all expenses covered by the Sri Lankan Tax Payers,of course) but that naughty tweeter Cameron had put to a stop to it!
While thanking you for all the kind advice you have doled out so freely, “Gota” got some white van fellows to follow that Channel 4 guy all over Colombo and now he is tweeting his life is at risk! What a Tweet this has become!!
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Spring Koha / November 12, 2013
Kalu Nangi,
Has that very nice old guy Lord Naseby arrived? I haven’t seen him yet, anywhere. Tcha! he is Sri Lanka’s patron saint in the House of Lawds – always saying nice things about whoever our head honcho is and getting some very nice rewards for his kind efforts.
His love affair with SL goes back to his Reckitt and Colman days and the nice times he enjoyed with us here before the ethnic faeces hit the fan. His love of cricket and birds is so very Sri Lankan.
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Piranha / November 10, 2013
People are not fools not to realise the reason for this restrictions on the foreign press. Plenty of skeletons in Rajapaksa’s cupboard he does not wish the world to know. However, the spotlight is on the regime and it will turn out to be a costly mistake for the Rajapaksas as it will put the spotlight on everything that is wrong with the regime.
As the regime does with the domestic press the foreign press will not abide by these restrictions and report the truth. Creating a big scene by stopping or detaining the foreign press will be a disaster for the regime. We shall see how things unfold.
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RajasH / November 10, 2013
reports are out that GOSL’s CHOGAM hand out package to foreign journalis includes a book called “Corrupted Journalism”.
It is an out and out attack on Channel 4 and our journalism
The host country is carrying out non CHOGAM activity and handing out non CHOGAM material, to journalist arriving to cover CHOGAM events.
On the same hand they accuse the journalist.
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The Penetrator / November 10, 2013
You must start from the roots, be it because they are scared of the regime or what ever is the excuse.. You have to think for a bit about hitlers army and it’s “supporters”.. What did they do, the people were so scared that they thought they have to keep quite and support their dear leader. What’s the difference here in Sri Lanka??
Thank God that some people in Germany thought for themselves and realised they would rather DIE then do the work of the devil.
The people working under the Rajapassa regime will have to be accountable for the decisions they made one day. But in the same breath forgiven for their fear and selfishness.
People this is a bullshit ride, why don’t you guys wake up and realise that the “development” process in Sri Lanka is not good for anyone???
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Liberal One / November 11, 2013
Do you think just bc you ask about the difference between Nazi Germany and Rajapakshe Sri Lanka those two become one? Tell us the similarity between Nazi Germany and Rajapakshe Sri Lanka first.
People are already woken, atleast I believe so, now is the time to give them a better alternative. Why don’t the forces opposed to Rajapakshe wake up and give the country a better alternative?
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The Penetrator / November 11, 2013
Unfortunately the people opposed to the regime are also on the payroll. A better alternative can’t be given when they are also scared and the elections are rigged.
What the similarity is that it’s just the beginning, Hitler, Saddam, Mao, etc, etc.. All started the same way, brainwashing the people and fear of talking back to the regime. Photos of the dear leader in all government building, etc, etc.
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Sukirihami / November 12, 2013
How can you compare average German mentality (nazi times) with that of lankens ?
Do you think if you would interview average ones in the country today, that they would share anxieties of the life today ? Is that not similar to the days in which we then youth went missing in the country – recalling – late 80ties, where we were feared to say anyhting but kept for us…. honestly saying, I have spoken with a cross section of lanken society incl tuktuk drivers, shop keepers, villagers during my last tour to the country, their views were though mixed, but many among them were in the opinion that Raja^s rule is thuggish and authoritarian. Latter was confirmed by visiting UNHRC commissioner.. remember ?
I have the feeling people are not at all WOKEN… they are more or less like made blind folded (hallozinated). Not even that VIKTOR iwan would dare to criticise the regime today.
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The Penetrator / November 14, 2013
Suki, What are you exactly saying in your statements? Yeah i also played outside and not online.. Although I did spank the monkey here and there using the net..
What do you want me NOT to compare something to?? It’s great you had a chat with the tuktuk drivers and got an understanding of where the country is at.. Let me tell you something baba, wherever you live, in US, Canada, Aus or UK, you are just a another blind person, which means you are delusional.. There is a lot more going in your country than you know, YES, it doesn’t matter which country you are residing in FOOL..
Idiot I told you this is how the Hitler’s, Mao’s, Stalin’s start.. I can not answer such silly questions from a fucking Suki baby just because you are a blind fool..
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Ben Hurling / November 10, 2013
Acute CHOGM Paranoia!
Cheers!
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Rod / November 10, 2013
Do not allow free access for these guys. Try obtaining a visa to their countries? Make it as difficult for them.
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Rohan / November 11, 2013
Do you live in Sri Lanka, mate? If I have nohig to hide, I will let them go with free access (there are some sensitive places in every country). If you are keen to convince others that you are good, you would go out of the way to prove your clean record.
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Fathima Fukushima / November 11, 2013
Tamilians are hurt again because Tamil Elam (TGTE) is not invited.
Tamils holding their own Commonwealth summit in HELL!!
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terry perera / November 11, 2013
Praba will be elected to chair for next years not that guys in NY or Oslo
How about prof Boyle he will join them soon Did the invite Pillay umm she will be not happy…. she put flowers at the place where Prab got what he deserved,
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Katmai / November 11, 2013
I’m convinced MR is trying his best to bring in an International Investigation against the military. He is not that stupid to be acting this stupidly if his intention was to avoid an International Investigation.
Besides, look at his situation. There is no way he can have an effective investigation against the military himself; they won’t let him live one extra day and his brother would probably be the spotter. If he asked for an International Investigation the monks are going to curse him to death; you know how superstitious he is.
So the only option is to act so irrationally that the UN forces an investigation on the military. They he’s going to come out the hero who tried to save the country, right?
At the end the country will not come out looking good but that is probably the only way to get rid of the monster we created to get rid of another monster. The people in this country cannot afford to pay for its up-keep that keeps going up in billions every year.
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Leon / November 11, 2013
What is there to hide President Rajapakse? If the land is flowing with milk and honey let the foreign journalists go whereever they want and confirm what you are saying about Sri Lanka.
You conducted a War without witnesses and you want to tell the world that there is peace in the Island now but you will not permit them to cover
non chogm activitiies.
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MrRetort / November 11, 2013
When you try to show the decorated frock, what is more conspicuous is the holes in the undergarment.
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dharmapala / November 11, 2013
common wealth summit meeting not covered by journalist not worth having a summit meeting insrilanka,it proved it a army govt, srilankan are most of them brain washed or uneducated better known to them.it a pity srilanka has gone bad to worse, youger generation is very important not uneducated politicians,parliament standed is going down day by day,members coming to parliament fee food, free allonce for sitting,transport, fee house, nopitisom
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Madhya Baba / November 11, 2013
Lapatiya – Your roll of honour reveals you are well
keyed in. Why not ask Victor, who has experience in
hand bombs, to deal with the journos running amok.
The great patriot can remove his white bandage for
the job once in a while.
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Lapatiya / November 11, 2013
@ Madya Baba,
You are really a Baba. Don’t you know that he can use only one hand and with that he has to do lot of things such as white washing Rajapaksha regime while blaming JRJ for everything that is happening now. So, don’t expect me to do that Job Baba please.
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PalmSquirrell / November 13, 2013
Further proof that the GOSL does not want their atrocites and routine oppression to be exposed.
A journalist is supposed to report freely without undue government influence to the contrary.
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Doc Oc / November 13, 2013
So basically SL is proving to the world that there is no freedom of press. If the GoSL has nothing to hide and everything is hunky dory, then let the Int. press do whatever it want. They can go wherever they want and find the true picture of the country. Why are you so afraid and paranoid SL??
Look at it this way SL… you need to allow the press to do what it wants and if they find something negative, you can always blame the …. (what is it? I forget the three things we always blame)
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