Freedom of speech is vital for the flowering of democracy in a country. If the freedom of speech is muzzled in a country, there can be dictatorship. Although the freedom of speech is protected in Sri Lanka, there have been threats to freedom of speech. The proposal to re-enact the criminal defamation law, which was repealed in 2002, has triggered off serious criticism from all sections of the society.

Under the proposal for the re-introduction of the criminal defamation law, editors are liable for two year imprisonment in case of serious violations of the any provisions of the law. Furthermore, it is a challenge to the freedom of the journalists and even the publishers.

JVP, UNP and several other political parties are determined to oppose this law. In fact, Delan Perera, Minister of Justice, has threatened to resign, if the bill is brought anytime in the future.

Therefore, the government must realize the situation, respect the views of the people and refrain from proceeding in any manner to re-introduce these laws.

An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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