President cautions on the misuse of media freedom

President Maithripala Sirisena has cautioned media outlets against misusing media freedom, adding that the next President may not be as tolerant. 

Addressing the presidential media awards ceremony at the Nelum Pokuna theatre this evening, the President pointed out that no other leader has been as highly criticised over the last four years as he.

“As far as I remember it was S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike who was subjected to more criticism than me,” Mr. Sirisena recalled while referring to the 1950’s and 60’s. He pointed out that journalists have faced bitter experiences during the periods of all presidents since 1978 except for D.B. Wijetunga.

“It’s easy to attack me since I do not maintain links with the underworld or with criminals. I don’t use the tri-forces or the police department for wrong purposes,” the President told a gathering packed with journalists.

He reiterated that journalists should be mindful of whether they will be able to attack the next President in a similar fashion to that which is being done at present.

"Something that we championed for in 2015 was democracy, especially media freedom," the President recounted while urging media outlets to refrain from misusing their freedom.

“You can attack me to any extent. I will assure that journalists can discharge their duties without being harmed during my tenure in office,” Mr. Sirisena said.

During the address, the President lamented over the current state of both state and private media institutions.

“Media freedom is lacking in the state sector. Private media institutions abide by the whims and fancies of their owners,” he charged while adding that some even report wrong facts while criticising him.

He proceeded to add that criticism, dialogue, and discussions were vital democratic tools for the country to move forward. However, the President added that the problem arose with maintaining a balance between ethical reporting and media freedom, the existence of these elements being essential for a democracy. 

During the award ceremony  veteran journalists Edwin Ariyadasa ,Karunarathna Amarasinghe, Lushan Bulathsinhala, and Laskhman Jayawardena were recognised with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the President.

(Captured below are photographs from the event. Pics by Ishanka Sunimal)