BERLIN | WASHINGTON | COLOMBO – Ernest Corea, one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished journalists and diplomats died on May 11, 2017 after a long illness. Throughout his career, he worked to maintain a free and independent press, advocated for the interests of the Sri Lankan people, and worked to improve conditions for the poor worldwide. He was awarded the Deshabandu Class 1 National Day honour for meritorious diplomatic service.
Little to Rejoice on World Press Freedom Day
Analysis by J Suresh
TORONTO (IDN) – In run-up to World Press Freedom Day on May 3, a new report has come up with a shocking revelation that global press freedom declined to its lowest point in 12 years in 2015, “as political, criminal, and terrorist forces sought to co-opt or silence the media in their broader struggle for power”.
An important exception to this trend, according to Freedom of the Press 2016, Freedom House’s annual report on media freedom worldwide, was Sri Lanka, which experienced a marked improvement in press freedom conditions after a new government took power in early 2015.
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.
The report reveals another encouraging trend: Despite the many threats to press freedom, journalists and bloggers worldwide have shown resilience, often at great risk to their lives.
‘Dissenting Voices Must be Protected’
On the anniversary of the brutal attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo, PEN and journalists’ associations from around the world reaffirmed their commitment to the defence of the right to freedom of expression, even when that right is being used to express views that some may consider offensive.
INPS reproduces the statement web posted by PEN International on January 7, 2016: