Minister Yapa praises Information Department on its Diamond Jubilee
Dharma Sri Abeyratne
COLOMBO: The Government Information Department is doing a
commendable service at a time the field of Information and Mass Media is
witnessing a rapid transformation, Mass Media and Information Minister
Anura Priyadarana Yapa said, yesterday. The Minister was addressing a
press conference to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the Government
Information Department.
The Government Information Department was established on July 31,
1948. The then Government Information Department was headed by an
officer described as `Information Officer’.
At that time the Department consisted of the Government Publication
Unit, Government Films Unit and the News Supplies Unit.
Public awareness for the right to information has seen a dramatic
surge during the last decades with the thirst for information on
government policies and implementation of same. This public thirst for
information has created an enormous role for the media to fulfil in
updating current issues, the Minister said.
Accordingly, the Department with its firm historical base and
pragmatic approach to disseminate the truth will work towards achieving
future goals in a mission focused on four main objectives to be
accomplished within the next year. They are:
1 Analysing the work of different media engaged in informing the
public on the Government policies and the development projects in the
past 60 years.
2 Analysing the information provided by different media to the public
in the past 60 years.
3 To create a more suitable media environment which could contribute
to the enrichment of knowledge of adults and children. 4 Analysing the
role of Government Information Department in Sri Lanka’s information and
media sphere. All information can be flashed to any country around the
world within six seconds in the current information world.
Hence it is needless to mention the role of the media sector, Mass
Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said.
Secretary to the Minister of Mass Media and Information, A.
Dissanayaka Government Information Director, Anusha Pelpita also
participated. |
