Journalists are pioneers of peace ? PM

by Rohan Mathes

Journalists are the pioneers of peace. They carry the onus of bringing amity, unity and peace among ethnic communities and protecting the environment among others, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse said when he addressed the tenth Annual Convention of Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum Friday in Borella.

The Premier said, "the views and opinions of the masses influence the country's statesmen so much that they are constrained and prevented from being totalitarian. And it is the journalists who create, mould and direct these views and opinions of the masses".

Rajapakse pointed out that now is a time in our history where the Muslim community in the country has faced a tragedy and seeks a way out of it. In this context, the media has a crucial role to play and bear a great responsibility in transforming the idealogies and the decision-making of the Muslims socially, economically and psychologically. Approximately, one per cent of the Muslim community had been victims of this sea devastation.

"As a media-friendly person, I urge journalists to refrain from reporting disasters of any nature, in a manner which nourishes rivalry and unhealthy competition. Reports on the victims, including their pictures are blatantly reported in 'cricket commentary' style or in a manner in which rival political parties compete to grab votes", he opined.

The Prime Minister reminisced the role played in the past, by the Muslims and their celebrated leader, the late M.H.M. Ashraff, who had even broken out of the TULF, disagreeing on the 'Vaddukkodai' proposal which he viewed as heading towards separatism.

"You as journalists could be proud of your achievements in directing your Muslim community to live in unity and honouring the sovereignty of our country", the Premier added.