Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Gayantha Karunathikale said he was very concerned about the animosity among journalists and media organizations and it was proven during the journalist’s visit to Jaffna.
“As the government we are taking every possible effort to uplift the professionalism of the journalists but, several individuals are giving a different definition”, he said and added, during the previous regime the media was handled by one place but, today they have the freedom.
Minister made these remarks addressing a media seminar in Galle on the Right to Information Act for provincial journalists. Ministry of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media, Department of Government Information, and the Sri Lanka Press Council organized the seminar. Deputy Minister Karunarathne Paranawithana, and the Chairman of the SLPC Koggala Wellala Bandula were also present.
According to the Minister, government will set up a Media Academy in Sri Lanka with foreign financial assistance. The media personnel are free to bear any political ideology as they wish but, their duty is to report the facts with accuracy and in a fair manner.
Minister also assured that the ministry with the assistance of the Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa is planning to construct 25 houses in each district for journalists.