Protect people’s freedom of expression – Douglas tells media
personnel
It is the duty of the media to protect the people’s freedom of
expression and their right to act independently regarding social
welfare. It is the duty of the media to provide solutions to social
problems, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development
Minister Douglas Devananda said.
Minister Douglas Devananda at the discussion |
He was participating at a discussion organised by the Jaffna media
personnel at the Jaffna Press Club, Rasavinthottam Road, Jaffna on April
25. The discussion was held to sort out problems faced by the media
personnel of the newly established Jaffna Press Club.
Media personnel, at all times, need to understand the realities and
be honest. They should report only the facts, refraining from publishing
false news that would provoke the feelings of the people paving way for
conflicts, he said.
The minister said setting up of the Jaffna Press Club was an
appreciative development that would prove to be beneficial to media
personnel in the peninsula.
“The objective of the organization need to remain honest in reporting
news without affiliating to party politics or serve individuals with
vested interests,” he said. The minister said in order to create a
strong, democratic society, media too should remain strong. If they work
responsibly and honestly giving priority to media ethics, the minister
said he would extend full support to the organization. He said adhering
to reporting news based on facts and verifying facts from sources, was
the duty of a journalist. Under no circumstance, should a journalist
report news on matters that did not transpire on assumptions, the
minister added.
The minister also said it had been his dream to develop the Pannai
area in Jaffna as an attractive place and that dream will be realized
soon. In addition, he said steps will be taken to develop the Sangilian
Thoppu area as well.
Referring to the laying of railway lines in the peninsula, the
minister said the rail track to Jaffna would be opened soon and the
media should raise awareness among the public in this regard.
Northerners will receive massive benefits once this project is
complete, he said.
Referring to his party, Minister Devananda said members are not
engaged in anti-social activities.
The party policies and activities have been declared to the public,
he added. If any member is found to be involved in illegal activity, the
media is free to divulge information to the public, he said.
However, in doing so, the media should be in a position to establish
their reports with proof, and under no circumstance should fabricated,
damaging news be published connecting his party members to stigmatize
the name of the party, said the minister.
Former parliamentarian and advisor to the Minister S. Thavarajah also
participated. |