Wajira calls on media to be more responsible

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Internal, Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Wajira Abeywardana yesterday called on journalists and the owners of media outlets to be responsible for their reporting and to stop spreading fake news.

Addressing a gathering of reporters at the Parliament Complex, the Minister charged that a few erroneous media reports that could have triggered violence countrywide bring shame and devastation to the country. 

According to Minister Abeywardana, the Oppositions of the past Parliaments have extended unconditional support to eradicate terrorism. “The Opposition Leader J.R. Jayawardene extended his fullest support to Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike to take action against the 1971 revolt. Then Mrs. Bandaranaike supported the decision President Jayawardene took in 1983. With 18 members of the United National Party joining President Mahinda Rajapaksa, we believe the party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe accepted that it was the need of the hour. Until this day no disciplinary action was taken against those 18 UNP members who crossed over,” he said.

Abeywardana criticised the public for expecting more from the Government without acknowledging the development during better times. “Not a single advertisement or a comment was seen praising the Government when Sri Lanka became the first tourist destination in the world. This was mainly due to Government efforts. But we are confident to bounce back by the end of June leaving behind the Easter Sunday attack devastations,” he held.

Abeywardana rejecting the politically driven No-Confidence Motions brought by the opposition against Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said: “No-Confidence Motions should not be politically motivated. There have to be charges in a No-Confidence Motion. These charges should be provable by law enforcement agencies. For example, the President should bring charges against the minister of any interference on investigations as claimed by the Army Commander.”