The Prime Minister called upon the Editors’ Guild to step up to the challenge to secure media freedom. He added that it was time for the media community in the country to engage in a self assessment.
He highlighted that the new Constitution that is being drafted will enhance on fundamental rights and also ensure freedom of the media.“We are fighting for Media Freedom,but, the media is not ready to take it,” he said.
Criticizing media reports calling murdered journalist Pradeep Eknaligoda, an LTTE sympathiser, he said that it was now up to the media industry to work towards sustaining free speech.
Opposition Leader, R.Sampanthan too highlighted the need to establish media freedom, highlighting that a number of journalists working in the Northern Province have been killed during the last 10 years.
He highlighted the failure by authorities to conduct proper investigations into the murders.
“It is a matter of great regret that those responsible have not been brought to book,” he said.
The report launched yesterday also called for a better monitoring mechanism for the media, while highlighting the need for increased professionalism among media practitioners.
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