Freedom of Expression: Our Right and Responsibility

After the completion of 2 successful training sessions on Digital Citizenship, the virtual training on Freedom of Expression commenced on July 17, 2021 for the same students from the South Eastern University with the participation of 44 students: 04 male and 40 female from the Department of Languages and Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Culture.

The program will facilitate the participants to define, identify and analyze concepts and issues pertaining to Freedom of Expression (FoE) in Sri Lanka, that would create the foundation for them to uphold, raise awareness and contribute to the sustainability of democracy in the country.

The training program was delivered by experienced resource persons. Dr. M.C. Rasmin, Media Trainer and Mr. Isbahan Sharafdeen, Producer SLBC conducted the session, which was Moderated by Mr. Mohamed Azad - Attorney at Law.

Sharing opinions on the importance of freedom of expression for democracy, the participants collectively provided diversified perspectives. “Freedom of expression is a foundation for many other rights, a symbol of democracy that would help one stand against injustice and dictatorship and also hold the government accountable for their actions.”

Participants responding to a poll on Freedom of Expression

The participants were given the opportunity to exchange ideas and interact through knowledge-based polls on the fundamental components of FoE including its conceptual framework and quizzes on the strengths and limitations imposed by the constitution. “The grounds on which free speech may be curtailed are: ethnic harmony, national security, contempt of court, parliamentary privileges and defamation” said Mr. Mohamed Azad, providing a comprehensive and brief overview on the limitations of FoE.

Moreover, analyzing real life incidents based on videos that limit free speech, sharing reflections on the present status quo, increasing awareness on legitimate conditions or instances for self-expression were some other key aspects focused during the session.

Feedback shared by the participants on the training

Upon the conclusion of the session the participants shared their overall feedback on the value-based learning they received. “We learned the importance of valuing the free expression of others, the situation of freedom of expression in our country and how to express our thoughts in social media with knowledge, adhering to the rules and regulations.”

The program will continue for next week, July 24, 2021 on the same topic.

The activity is implemented as a part of Incubator Spaces for Promoting Information Rights and freedom of Expression (InSPIRE) project implemented by Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF) in partnership with Helvetas Intercooperation and funded by the European Union.

For more info: https://www.ldjf.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LDJF.org