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this Government, journalists have been killed, maimed, abducted, threatened and intimidated. The perpetrators have not been brought to book despite public assurances to do so and uphold media freedom, an essential element in a democracy. Fear has forced some journalists into the graveyard of silence. It has also forced a number of them to seek the safety of foreign countries. It is no secret that most are resorting to self-censorship. In this ever increasing climate of fear leading to caution, websites reporting on Sri Lanka in greater detail became even more popular with internet users. This week, the Media Ministry has ruled that those websites should register with them. Several have been blocked thus denying access to internet users in Sri Lanka. In an era where the information super highway has transcended national barriers, internet users are still able to access these websites through proxy servers. Thus, most sites have recorded more hits after the Governments call to register. This shows that the Media Ministry is engaged in a pyrrhic exercise governed by sheer ignorance and utter idiocy. However, the ploy behind the move, to censor news not favourable to the Government, is too transparent. This is why both the United States and the European Union too have voiced serious concern. A national daily reported last month that the Military Intelligence Corps of the Army has been increased to six battalions. On the basis of this, at least over 6000 Army personnel have been deployed for intelligence gathering. This is more than two years after the military defeat of the LTTE, which was the largest threat factor. Even more disturbing, this is in addition to the State Intelligence Service (SIS), the state intelligence arm functioning under the Police Department. Both members of the opposition as well as those in the government have come under the watchful eyes of intelligence cadres. Political activists, journalists, university students, trade unionists, lawyers and a wide variety of other civil society leaders are among those under close watch. The law and order situation is continuing to deteriorate. As recent incidents have revealed, the enraged public are attacking lawbreakers or law enforcers reflecting their lack of confidence in justice and fair play being meted out. There is one set of laws for drug barons backing the Government and another for those not with them. Bribery and corruption have reached unprecedented levels spawning millionaires by the day. More and more military camps are coming up countrywide. This week there were public protests in the East over allegations that camps are being set up on private land. The country has witnessed increased military intrusion in previously civilian dominated areas. Military expenditure in the upcoming budget has been increased phenomenally and more recruitment is under way.
The question before all Sri Lankans today is where their beloved motherland is headed. Has the beginning of the end for a fledgling democracy in Sri Lanka commenced? If so, isnt there are need for a vibrant opposition with honest objectives, which can strive to ensure checks and balances? Isnt this what the public are expecting from them? We will be failing in the trust placed in us by the public if the dangers are not highlighted by the opposition. The time has come for the people to take note of the Unbridled Powers of a Family Alliance. That UPFA has become the biggest danger to democracy in Sri Lanka.