Keheliya stresses on media responsibility

Rafik Jalaldeen

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday said the media should act with responsibility and ensure it provides accurate information to the public and always conduct itself in a manner that would not tarnish its own image and that of the country.

Addressing the media on national security the Government Defence Affairs spokesman said certain media were publishing news without any responsibility to mislead the public.

"Some media reported that the LTTE Light Air Craft had arrived from the Wanni this morning. In fact, it was a made up story and the Air Force were on a routine training in Anuradhapura", he added.

The Minister stressed that misleading the public does not constitute media freedom.

He noted that a cordial relationship should be established between the media and the Government.

"Once the media reports an untruth this would tarnish the image of the media and that of the country.

There fore, need of congenial relationship between the media and the Government is vital", he added.