President invites media to keep attacking him

President Maithripala Sirisena today invited the media to keep attacking him further, stating that such attacks signify the prevalence of media freedom in the country.

Speaking on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the Sri Lanka Press Association at the BMICH, President Sirisena said some journalists seem to relish the knowledge that they've never had such an opportunity to attack a President as they wished.This however, is testament to the great change and freedom that was ushered in after January 8, 2015.

He reminded the gathering  that there was a time before his presidency where media institutions were attacked and journalists murdered or forced to flee the country for their safety.

"If only those who attack me now had the same backbone to speak out before January 8, 2015. How different would it have been?" he queried.

He further lamented that only a small minority of journalists actually do their duty by the country and its people, despite the freedoms that had been secured post-January 8.

President Sirisena said far too much of journalism today was being dedicated to highlighting negative aspects such as conflicts, disasters and crisises. However, if a country is to move forward, more attention should be devoted to bringing out a positive message, he argued.