Take constructive criticism positively - Deputy Minister

The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) has to be more active in the area of constructive criticism, Environment Deputy Minister Faizer Musthapha said.

"A politician should take constructive criticism positively even more than praise," the Deputy Minister said addressing the 15th convention of SLMMF at Madeena College, Madawala.

Musthapha added the pen is mightier than the sword and the SLMMF should collectively take steps to praise, what is right and criticise, what is wrong. He pointed out that the media played a vital role at the time of the war supporting the armed forces and such help was a feature to win the war.

Musthapha praising Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said he has always been a friend of the Muslim community, "by being an old boy of Zahira College, Gampola you have been a protector of the Muslim communities' culture and values", he said.

"Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum has done justice to the Muslim community for that reason I take pride and privilege in associated with your forum.

A forum with only 34 members in 1995, has a membership over 600 members today which clearly demonstrates the confidence the Muslim media fraternity and community places in your forum," he said.

Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum has encouraged the youth to equip themselves in computer literacy. The Muslim community has a population of two million in Sri Lanka.