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Alert

Government-controlled national broadcaster discontinues dramatic series

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 10 September 2006 FMM press release:

Another television drama banned

The government-controlled Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation (SLRC) has stopped broadcasting the television drama "Sudu Kapuru Pethi", without any official justification, after its tenth episode last week. This censorship marks another blow to freedom of expression and highlights the negative impact of government control over what should be an independent public broadcaster capable of reflecting the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan society.

"Sudu Kapuru Pethi" is based on the award-winning youth-themed novel published in 2003 and produced by Atula Peries, an award winning dramatist working with SLRC as a producer. The story is set amidst the country's ongoing ethnic conflict.

Unofficially, it is said that the tele-drama was banned because of its discussion of issues related to the Tamil people. The censoring, without informing the producer, of the dialogue "Jaffna Tears is cold as tears in Hambantota" in the last episode shown on SLRC, also reflects the degree to which censorship is considered acceptable by the national broadcaster.

Re-creating and promoting tolerance of diversity is a right and the responsibility of cultural productions. The banning of the seemingly harmless "Sudu Kapuru Pethi" indicates the continuing suppression of cultural production in Sri Lanka.

FMM condemns this cultural censorship and requests that the SLRC authorities allow "Sudu Kapuru Pethi" to be broadcast.