Create positive picture of Lanka - PM

Suraj A Bandara

Prime Minister D M Jayarathna said it should be the duty and obligation of all foreign media personnel based in Sri Lanka to create a positive image of Sri Lanka in the international community.

The Premier said there should be a strong attitudinal change among the world community about Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is heading towards a new chapter after the eradication of 30-year war.

He was speaking to foreign correspondents based in Sri Lanka at the Prime Minister's office recently.

"There are many views on Sri Lanka in other countries. Most are against the country. This is a bad situation". It is the duty of all communities to suppress any plots against another country. Sri Lanka as a democratic country which will not let any force to flourish and conspire against any country in the world, he said.

It is apparent that certain countries are supporting terrorism in public.

We urge these countries to stop supporting terrorists. In Sri Lanka, there are certain political parties spreading that we violate human rights. This is a baseless accusation. We cannot let anyone work against the country's interest.

Therefore, the foreign media has a vital role to play to change this misleading fictitious views on Sri Lanka. It is only media personnel of a high calibre can create a better image of Sri Lanka.

The Premier further said he is ready to exchange views continuously with the foreign media about the latest happenings in Sri Lanka.

The foreign media personnel pledged their support to the Sri Lankan Government to create a new image on Sri Lanka in their countries.