Bouquet for journalists from Embilipitiya UC

Raja Waidyasekera, Tissamaharama Special Correspondent

Embilipitiya UC Chairman Padmini Weerasinha was all praise for the hardwork and dedicated services rendered by provincial journalists representing the State and private media.

"The services they render are praiseworthy and should be appreciated by all," Weerasinha said.

She was addressing a felicitation ceremony for a businessman and two senior journalists organised by the Walawa Valley Journalists Association.

Weerasinha said the media plays a pivotal role in society and can always feel the pulse of the people. Media men and women are doing a splendid job. Journalists can be very influential and have an onerous task to perform. Journalism is a prestigious job and should be performed with dignity and humility.

She emphasised the need for balanced reporting and said this is a vital component of journalism. She urged journalists not to mud sling but welcomed balanced and impartial reporting.

The UC Chairman said slinging mud will not take a journalist anywhere and would only bring that particular journalist into disrepute. She said as politicians, they should be able to accept and tolerate just criticism because it would help correct ourselves and shortcomings.

Former UC Chairman Ratnasiri Masibula said those felicitated on this occasion have contributed in numerous ways for the well-being of society.

Walawa Valley Journalists Association Chairperson Chandima Kodithuwakku said a plot of land has been donated for the construction of a building to house the Walawa Valley Journalists Association which has been a long felt need and a dream come true.

The three felicitated were businessman Eli Nanayakkara and senior journalists S. A. Dharmasena and Raja Waidyasekera.