Media Ministry Secretary’s statement is not govt’s stance - Gayantha

Minister of Mass Media and Parliamentary Affairs Gayantha Karunathilaka says that the letter issued by the Secretary of his ministry Nimal Bopage regarding the term ‘Joint Opposition’ is not the government’s stance and only a personal request by the latter. 

The newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media issued a statement to all media organisations today regarding the legality of a group of MPs going by the name “Joint Opposition” despite the clear representation of the Government and Opposition in parliament. 

He stated that several MPs belonging to one of the main political parties representing the government are engaging in an organized political propaganda activity under the name “Joint Opposition” and that certain media organisations and journalists are aiding the promoting of this without any consideration.

He urged the discontinuation of using the term to identify the group of MPs. However, Minsiter Karunathilaka says that the statement is not the stance of the government and only a personal request made by the Secretary.

Meanwhile the Leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF) former Minister Wimal Weerawansa condemned the statement of Mr Bopage while claiming that the attempt to censor the use of the word ‘Joint Opposition’ shows the government fear towards their movement.