No threats to media freedom in Sri Lanka - Army

There is no threat to media freedom in Sri Lanka but special interest groups engaged in procuring dollars from the international community highlight that there is no media freedom in the country, the Army said.
Army spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya says that certain groups are engaged in efforts to portray to the international community that there is no media freedom in Sri Lanka.
Addressing a special workshop organized by the Sri Lanka Press Complaints Commission on behalf of crime reporters in the police and defence sectors, the spokesman said the government or the security forces have not taken any measures or acted in any manner to cause obstructions on the media or the media personnel.
"There are no obstructions in the country for the publication of news, news reporting or sale of newspapers. No censorship has been imposed on media. The government always acts in a manner to consolidate media freedom," he said.
Brigadier Wanigasooriya pointed out that however, that there are groups attempting to earn money from the international community by highlighting that there is no media freedom in the country.
The Army spokesman further pointed out that there is at present a strong threat to Sri Lanka's unitary nature. This is a bigger threat than what the country experienced during the period of terrorism, he said, adding that although terrorism was defeated from the country, separatism continues to exist.
The Brigadier added that local and foreign elements are continuously extending assistance to set up an Eelam in Sri Lanka.