Mar 21, Colombo: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) yesterday expressed its ‘concerns’ about the appointment of a recently retired army Major General to the administration of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).

Issuing a statement the IFJ said that “In times of conflict and insecurity, a military appointment to the state broadcaster raises concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and association.”

The appointment of Maj. Gen. Sunil Silva to the SLRC does nothing to allay concerns for the well-being of its staff and media freedom in general in Sri Lanka, it said.

The IFJ said that it is disturbed that the appointment of someone closely associated with the military has been made immediately following the in-house union demand that staff be protected, as is their right.