Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that protecting the Rights of citizens who suffer due to Media harassment, especially through Social Media and other new Media platforms, is a key responsibility of the government.
He stated that new Legislation is being formulated to safeguard vulnerable individuals adversely affected by unregulated Media exposure, particularly those without a public voice.
The Minister made these remarks as the Chief Guest at the Certificate awarding ceremony for Diploma holders of the “Diploma in Media Studies and Journalism” conducted by the Sri Lanka Press Council (SLPC). The event was held on August 2 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).
This was the 10th intake of the SLPC’s Media Diploma programme, which spans one year. So far, the Council has trained and certified over 315 Diploma holders who have completed the course.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jayatissa noted that the current moment in Sri Lanka demands a significant transformation in the Media sector, and such a transformation cannot be the sole duty of governments, institutions or organisations. He urged all citizens to take personal responsibility for contributing to the change.
The Minister observed that, while the Ministry of Mass Media was once focused mainly on Media institutions and journalists, the present challenge lies in addressing the Rights and well-being of the citizens themselves. He said that the context has drastically changed since the SLPC was established in 1973 and introduced the first Journalistic Code of Ethics in 1981.
Criticising the lack of accountability among some Media outlets, the Minister said that even when false or misleading news is published, corrections or retractions are rarely made in proportion to the harm caused. This often results in psychological and social distress to the affected individuals.
“The government must ensure that citizens are protected from the adverse effects of irresponsible Media activity,” he said, adding that Legal interventions may be necessary in such instances to uphold fundamental Rights.
He further noted that the Mass Media Ministry currently operates along multiple key streams, including ensuring Freedom of Expression and Media freedom, promoting Media sector development, professional development of journalists and protecting citizens from undue harm caused by Media activity.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs Dr. H. Sunil Senevi also emphasised the challenges posed to Media ethics, professionalism and accountability in the current environment.
A special guest lecture on the “Importance of Media Education Amidst Emerging Communication Trends” was delivered by Senior Professor Ariyaratne Athugala of the University of Kelaniya.
The event was attended by SLPC Chairman Priyan R. Wijebandara, Press Commissioner Niroshan Thambawita, Course Coordinator Prof. Sunanda Mahendra, Additional Secretary to the Health and Mass Media Ministry N.A.K.L. Wijenayake, former SLPC Chairman President’s Counsel W. Dayarathna, SLPC members, diploma recipients, trainers, and family members.
