One operator won’t be allowed to run multiple sites-Ganegala & sites approved

 * Of 81 applications, only 27 successful
Mass Media and Information Secretary W. B. Ganegala yesterday said that no one would be allowed to operate more than one news website under any circumstances.

In a brief interview with The Island, Ganegala said that 27 operators had received their licenses from Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, at the ministry, following a thorough inquiry conducted by the ministry with the assistance from relevant government agencies. He was speaking after the brief handing over ceremony, also attended by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Chief, Anusha Palpita, a former Director of Government Information.

The license is valid for a year.

Although the ministry had initially decided to issue licenses to 46 websites, a subsequent inquiry revealed that some operators managed more than one, the official said. The 46 websites had been run by 27 operators, who strenuously opposed the decision to restrict the number of websites each applicant could operate to just one, the Information Secretary said. The ministry rejected an appeal to allow operators the authority to manage more than one website.

Yesterday’s issue of The Island reported the government decision to register 46 news websites in line with a disputed decision taken late last year to regulate websites.

According to Ganegala, the Mass Media and Information Ministry had received 81 applications from those operating websites, though 17 of them didn’t even bother to appear before a special committee, which studied their applications.

The government last November ordered news websites to register with the Media Ministry, in what a section of the media and the opposition called a further step towards restricting media freedom after the banning of an anti-government website the previous month.

Ganegala said that 18 other operators had failed to meet the required criteria.

Asked whether the government was making an effort to curb those sections of the media critical of the UPFA administration, Ganegala said that anyone could secure the license by meeting basic requirements. It would be a mistake on the part of those operatives to believe they could run websites on the basis of false information.

The process would continue keeping with a Supreme Court directive that news websites should register with the Mass Media and Information Ministry.

Sri Lanka’s Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, last October blocked access within Sri Lanka to Lanka-e-News (www.lankaenews.com) website. The Opposition alleged that the government had moved against the website because it targeted President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brothers.

Ganegala said that the Mass Media and Information Ministry summoned all persons, who sent in 81 applications before the committee inquiring into their applications on Dec. 23 and Dec.28. “We also brought an expert from the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka and in the presence of each applicant checked their respective website,” he said. Thirty five applicants (17 plus 18) were disqualified due to failure on their part of appear before the committee or not providing required information, the ministry secretary said.

Ganegala assured that the ministry was ready to process fresh applications, even from those who unsuccessfully applied on the first occasion. The ministry was yet to decide on a license fee.

The official said that those accusing the government of curbing the media had conveniently forgotten what was going on in other parts of the world, including the West. Those managing websites should realize they couldn’t manipulate the system for their personal gain at Sri Lanka’s expense, he said, underscoring his resolve to constantly monitor local websites.
Shamindra Ferdinando
IS

Websites registered with Media Ministry

The websites registered with the Mass Media and Information Ministry

www.jayasiriradio.com – Sri Nimal Padma Kumara, www.onlanka.com – M T Udaya Arunakantha, www.srilankasports.com – Hishan Welmilla, www.hothotlanka.com – Dhananjaya Sooriyaarachchi, www.lankabusinesstoday.com – Global Media Network Ltd, www.tamilaa.com – Pakkiyanathan Jayantha, www.srilankamirror.com – Kelum Shivantha, www.pawuraradio.com – Priyangika Godakanda, www.lankasitizen.com – J P V Vipulanga, www.micsrilanka.org – Muslim Information Centre, www.kalasem – M F A Besith, www.puvath.lk – S kaushalya Wickramasinghe, www.tharunayaweb.lk – Gigies (Pvt) Ltd, www.lankanews.lk – Athula I Athulathmudali, www.lankareporter.com – A Dammila Deeptha, www.rangalivefm.com – Nihal Fernando, www.lankika.net – Zarook Marikkar, www.siddioice.info – Sujith P Fernando, www.srilankapatriot.lk – Dr Telli C Rajaratna, www.nation.lk – Rivira Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, www.lankaelink.com – Amila Kamkanange, www.lakfmradio.com – LakView Broadcasting Company (Pvt) Ltd, www.vfmradio.lk – Lanka Television Networks, www.karaitivu.org – Mendis Appu Prasath, www.sihasara.com – Sihasara Infortainment, www.maruthamunaionline.com – Suhail Jamaldeen, www.news360.lk – L C Prasanna Rodrigo.
CDN

Cyber blow to LeN following exposure of white Van crimes: LeN subject to deadly attacks again

 Following the exposure of the white Van abductions under our lead news captioned ‘ the white Van criminal operations under a new culture’ yesterday (9) in Sinhala Edition, before four hours have elapsed since this news was published , those who panicked and became jittery on the exposure gave a grave cyber blow to Lanka e news. Owing to this atrocious action , our website was obstructed from access .After about 14 hours , we were successful however in getting rid of this obstruction with the help of those who are facilitating the server. These cyber criminals could not damage our data information storage sphere however .

Fortunately , we have been able to trace the IP address of those who indulged in this cyber crime. We are arranging to institute legal action under international laws . Meanwhile , we hereby tender our profound apologies to our valued viewers who were denied access to our website during the 14 hours.
LEN

49 state and private radio channels and 21 television channels and 159 news papers are registered in SL

Srilankamirror and 26 other websites  received their certificates of registration with the Media and Information Ministry at a function chaired by minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
In all, 45 websites will be registered initially, said ministry secretary W.B. Ganegala.

Of the 80 applications received by the ministry, 18 applicants did not turn up for the interviews, while 17 were rejected for failing to conform to the requirements, he said.

Minister Rambukwella said web registration was something that should have taken place earlier, and added that he was happy that it happened at least now.

The media has the right to agree, disagree or reject any opinion, but cannot have the right to insult anybody, he went onto say.

According to him, 49 state and private radio channels and 21 television channels are registered, while the Sri Lanka Press Council has given registrations to 153 newspapers.

The minister hoped that the websites would follow the set of ethics provided along with the registration certificates.

The registration certificate for websites is valid for one year period, and could be extended upon request.
The Ministry said it would register websites in the order of receipt of applications
SLM

13 January 2012 16:27

Consequent to SC directive: Govt. bans 30 websites, registers 45

Shamindra Ferdinando- The government has registered 45 news websites in line with a disputed decision taken late last year to regulate websites.

Government sources said that the Mass Media and Information Ministry would issue letters of registration to 45 out of 80 websites, which had sought approval from the government.

The government last November ordered news websites to register with the Media Ministry, in what a section of the media and the opposition called a further step towards restricting media freedom after the banning of an anti-government website the previous month.

Asked whether the process would continue, sources said that 45 websites would be issued with letters of registration today (Jan. 13) by Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella at his ministry. Registration would entirely depend on those seeking registration meeting the required criteria, sources said. The process would continue keeping with a Supreme Court directive that news websites should register with the Mass Media and Information Ministry.

Sri Lanka’s Telecommunication Regulation Commission, last October blocked access within Sri Lanka to Lanka-e-News (www.lankaenews.com) website. The Opposition alleged that the government had moved against the website because it targeted President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brothers.

The United States Embassy said it was deeply concerned over the banning of the website.

“The United States believes that a free and independent media is vital to ensuring the health and continuation of any democracy. Freedom of expression, including unfettered access to internet news websites, is a basic right which must be respected,” it said in a statement.

“We therefore call on the Sri Lankan authorities and the management of Sri Lankan telecommunications firms to stop activities aimed at blocking free access in Sri Lanka to all legitimate media websites, including Lanka-e-News.”

Last May, the government imposed a ban on Lanka-e-News for publishing “false news”. A Court lifted the ban after accepting the website’s apology.
IS  January 12, 2012

Prageeth Eknaligoda case: Appeal Court ruling on former AG

Sri Lanka’s Appeal Court has ruled that former Attorney General Mr. Mohan Pieris could be called in as a witness to inquire into the disappearance of journalist, Prageeth Eknaligoda.
State Counsel told court that the order given by the Homagama Magistrate Court to call former attorney general before court was illegal.

Not illegal

Appeal Court stated that Homagama Magistrate Court has the power to issue such an order on the ground of new evidence in this case.

Sandya Eknaligoda, wife of Prageeth has requested courts to order police to produce the missing journalist in courts.

Former attorney general, Mr. Mohan Pieris had made a statement during a presentation at UN Committee against Torture (UNCat) that journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda has sought political asylum abroad.

Responding to the disappearance of political columnist and cartoonist Prageeth Ekneligoda, who is missing since January 2009, Mr Peiris told UNCaT in Geneva last November, that the journalist has sought asylum abroad.

“Our current information is, that Mr. Eknaligoda has taken refuge in a foreign country,” Mr.Mohan Peiris said answering to a question from a delegate.

Evidence Ordinance

The Appeal Court approving the decision of the Homagama Magistrate Court said that it could be challenged in future if the magistrate had violated the Evidence Ordinance.

Sanjaya Eknaligoda and her son highlight Prageeth Eknaligoda’s plight

Prageeth, who had written articles and drawn cartoons critical of the government, was apparently abducted on his way home from the office and has not been seen since 24 January 2010.
 BBC Sinhala