Professional journalists should act, comprehending their role – Minister

“Due to the rapid development of information dissemination and the media and the technical development achieved as a result, the whole of humanity has been embraced by the media.

“Therefore, the contemporary media has been able to exert pressure on social individuality equal to the impact exerted by the state administration, and legal sectors.

“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.

“As it has been acknowledged in the constitution the right of the people for their freedom of language and the freedom of expression, and if these rights are not being implemented properly people will loose their trust in the democracy. “If the people get true information about things happening in the country at all times, they will come to the right conclusions.

The trust of the people will not get slackened. But distorting of information, misleading the people’s opinion and destabilizing society by using the media are also taking place. In this regard that it is important that the professional journalists should act with the right understanding. As it has been emphasized in the Mahinda Chintana “It is my belief that instead of using the media for mere political animosity, it should be used with self restraints for achieving country’s social, cultural economic development objectives and to raise the glorious name of the country without damaging social and moral ethics.

Therefore, it is my policy to strengthen the media personnel with knowledge and experience to establish a developed media culture” With the media freedom, the number of media institutions has also increased. Under these circumstances it is essential to identify the right path the media should proceed”. The Minister concludes his message saying that he firmly believes that this workshop on ‘Patriotism and the role of media’ will help to clearly understand the road map of the media.

 http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/05/04/news02.asp

CANADA SUPPORTS EVIL FORCES - Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Ottawa says

*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