The United National Party (UNP) today alleged that the Sri Lankan media, especially privately-operated TV stations, had failed to give fair coverage to its press conferences and demonstrations since Mahinda Rajapaksa took oaths as the Prime Minister. 

Addressing a press conference at Temple Trees this morning, UNP Parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera said only two TV stations reported the revelations made by MP Palitha Range Bandara yesterday saying he was offered Rs. 2.8 million to cross the aisle of Parliament. 

"It is alarming that private media institutions are fearing to give coverage to us even before the Rajapakas forming a legitimate government," Ajith P. Perera said. 

He also added that the journalists maintaining close links with the Rajapaksas would also be subjected to severe suppression if they tightened their grip on the state machinery. "That's what happened to your own colleagues in the past. I am certain that the same thing will happen in the future as well." 

Addressing the same press conference, Vajira Abeywardena said the Sri Lankan media had already become "prisoners."

"You can't write about 'Constitutional Terrorism' today. What you can't report is widely reported on by international media. So we have to turn to them to tell our story," Abeywardena added.