Lake House always acted with responsibility – Dr Herath

Lake House, which met it’s obligations during all decisive situations in the country, has secured a special place in the media field, Mass Media and Information Ministry Secretary Dr. Charitha Herath said. He commended the conduct of Lake House during the humanitarian operation as well as other crisis situations, adding that the Daily News, the Sunday Observer, the Dinamina, the Silumina and the Thinakaran acted with responsibility at such times.

He also expressed his appreciation to Lake House publications for avoiding news that could have put the government and leadership in difficulty.

The Secretary made this observation while participating in the illumination of the Amadahara Vesak Zone on Saturday which was organised for the 23rd time.

Lake House Chairman and Managing Director, veteran journalist Bandula Padmakumara and members of the board of directors also participated. Dr Herath said the people in this country have got the opportunity to celebrate Vesak freely and peacefully due to the conclusion of the prolonged war in the country. He said people could walk on the streets freely to see Vesak without fear, adding that the nation achieved the second independence in 2009.

He said it was the sacrifices made by War Heroes and the wise leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa which paved way for this achievement.

“Today some have forgotten these achievements. Some who act without any feeling for the country attempt to destabilize the country and mislead the public by using topics such as the electricity tariff hike,” he said.

The Secretary said certain media institutions acted without responsibility adding that certain private media were promoting their own agendas. He also stressed on the importance of self-regulation by journalists.

Editorial Director Seelarathna Senarath said Lake House always works for the well-being of the society. He said Lake House maintains a close relationship with the Mass Media and Information Minister and the Ministry Secretary while shouldering to carry forward the country’s development and state ideologies.