The Sri Lanka Army has urged the country’s press corps to to secure invitations to the press briefing by visiting UN Human Rights Envoy Navanethem Pillay and report the “true facts” to the public.
Ruwan Wanigasooriya
In a special email dispatch to local journalists and Colombo based international correspondents Military Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya informed media personnel about the time of the event and said “the whole country/world is waiting for feedback on her visit”
“I am sure you will exercise your right to media freedom and attend this event and report true facts to the public as the whole country is keenly awaiting to know the outcome of this visit” the email from the military spokesman said.
Following is the full text:
Dear Friends,
The Human Rights Commissioner who is concluding her visit tomorrow is scheduled to have a press conference at 1100 hrs at the UN Office, Colombo. Its on invitation and hope you have secured your invitation. Please contact relevant authorities at the UN Office Colombo and secure your press invitation to this all important event as the whole country/world is waiting for a feed back on her visit. I am sure you will exercise your right to media freedom and attend this event and report true facts to the public as the whole country is keenly awaiting to know the outcome of this visit.
Best Regards,
Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya
Military Spokesman
Tel:+94 11 2686915, +94 11 2325332
Fax: +94 11 2430163 Mob: +94 773082585
Percy Jilmart / August 30, 2013
Of course BeeraGediya WanguSooriya, we shall let the whole country/world/galaxy and solar system know how your governMutts blocked the Colombo Telegraph. :)
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justice / August 30, 2013
It is inexplicable why the army makes this request.
This request/instruction should be made by the government – the minister in charge of media – if at all,but actually by the UN office mediaperson.
The army should not concern itself about press conferences by visiting UN & international officials/dignitaries.
It appears that the army is about to approve/disapprove journalsts who may be foolish enough to telephone the numbers given and request “approval”.
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Rev. Devil / August 30, 2013
Hahahahaa….from vegetable business to the doorsteps of press rooms…!!? Sooner or later we are going to have an ex-general as our Media Minister to assist the omnipotent Gotta.
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hannah.rajaratnam / August 30, 2013
When a press conference is announced by the GOSL the media knows what to do.Invitation is not necessary.I sees the numbers blatantly added to this notice.
Why is the Army sending out this invitiation.
Navi Pillay – Strike one against ?
What a farce.Let us see whose request to be present was granted.
Is the government expecting a COUP ?
They have found Brig Ruwan W,a willing goat to bleat.
Another charade of a press conference.
I guess questions are ready to be handed to their own press fools who will mime out the questions.
Good luck.
Hurrah for this stupid dumb invitation.
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Ajith / August 30, 2013
It is a showcase invitation. You might think that Military has suddenly become so friendly with free media. You must interpret this as warning to all media personal to keep silent until the govt media reports its version.
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Jim softy / August 30, 2013
Sri Lankan media is dominated by Special interest groups, journalists working to promote special interests.
Sri Lankan govt has to study how western govts have control this menace.
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Lankan / August 31, 2013
This is a ploy so that protest will take place so that Navi Pillai cannot hold this media session. I am not sure if the road will be closed with the excuse that they are expecting protest so that most of the media, other than the government supporting media will be present. It is questionable if this media session will even be conducted.
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Kshama / August 31, 2013
Read this. Sheds light to Pillay getting “true facts!”
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/a-question-of-hope-holding-on-to-the-final-straw-or-letting-go/
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