*Commonwealth states should uphold principles of objectivity, mutual
respect
*Appalling for certain quarters to express views opposing consensual
decision
Hostile criticism and unfair targeting of Sri Lanka by Canada only
serves to further strengthen the evil forces working against Sri Lanka
and does not contribute in any manner to the ongoing rebuilding and
reconciliation process in the multi cultural society of the country. Sri
Lanka looks to all States in the Commonwealth to uphold the principles
of objectivity, understanding, mutual respect and the equality of
sovereign States, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Chitranganee
Wagiswara said in a statement yesterday.
“It is therefore appalling and unprecedented for certain quarters to
express views opposing this consensual decision by the Commonwealth
Member States at the highest level,” Wagiswara said.
She was referring to extensive media coverage of the recent
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting held in London, UK,
and the statements made by Canada on Sri Lanka hosting the next
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2013.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka is compelled to issue a statement,
as it is important for the public to be provided with the relevant
information which would enable them to form their own opinion, Ms.
Vagishwara states.
The statement adds: Sri Lanka’s offer to host the 2013 Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting was accepted unanimously at the CHOGM held
in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. This decision was re-confirmed at the
Heads of Government Meeting held in Perth, Australia in 2011.
As stated by the Commonwealth Secretary General at the press
conference that followed the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)
meeting on April , the CMAG has no role in the matter of a decision
concerning the CHOGM venue, as it is the prerogative of the Heads of
Government. “The need of the hour from the Commonwealth is to assist and
support Sri Lanka, as a Member State having experienced separatist
terrorism for nearly three decades, and is expectedly now facing long
term post conflict challenges to ensure sustainable peace.
Incremental steps continue to be taken in achieving this objective,
of which Commonwealth Member States are aware.“Notably certain
separatist elements within the diaspora including in Canada, still
continue to relentlessly disseminate anti - Sri Lanka propaganda and
lobby political leaders and other decision makers,” the statement adds.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/05/04/news01.asp
“It is in this regard that it is important that professional
journalists comprehend their role,” states Mass Media and Information
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in a message to mark the one day workshop
“ Patriotism and the Role of Media” held at the Government Information
Department auditorium in connection with International Media Freedom
Day. The Ministers message adds: “The media which is a trustworthy and
powerful tool in molding people’s opinion and understanding is playing
an important and powerful assignment similar to the legislature, the
executive and the judiciary.
