This was stated by the Chief Minister for Wayamba Dayasiri Jayasekera at a media conference on “Challenges before the Country Today” held on Wednesday (17)..
Today, media is a very broad subject to which different interpretations can be given. There was a special news item stating that a Chief Minister in the Uva Provincial Council was associated with the Ethonol racket which caused confusion among most people. People questioned even me whether I have done something wrong or whether it was Minister Vigneshwaran or some other Minister. As media persons you should act with responsibility without any ambiguity.
You should bear in mind to whom any news item is targeted. The true story might be completely different to the projected item and people can come into the wrong conclusions. Your tool is the pen. It must be used well ensuring credibility and the good name of his organization.
There were times in the past when media culture was threatened. If I am a Journalist, even with changes in circumstances like a change of government, I would carry on my work with no fear. You may have your personal political views, but your reporting should be true, balanced and credible.
Today if a press conference is held by the UNP, the media participants will be only those who are for the party. Likewise at the UPFA press conferences the participants would be people affiliated to the party. That is not correct. You must work independently taking no sides. What I tell you is that you should have no fear in expressing your views. Writing a review, write a correct review. I will always look after your interest and give you my full support.
The Governor of the North Western Province Tissa R.Balalla, Chairman of Wayamba PC Dharmasiri Dassanayake, former High Court Judge Cyril Rajapaksa, Presidential Media Spokesman Mohan Samaranayake, President’s Media Coordinating Secretary Wanshanatha Wijesinghe were among the large gathering of media personnel. (NJ/KH)
