Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa today (Nov 12) said he would establish a Media Development Centre based on international standards under his government.
“Local and foreign journalists will be able to carry out investigations and receive training at this centre,” the New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate told a special conference of media personnel.
The event was held at the Water's Edge Hotel in Battaramulla.
Mr Premadasa said he would further strengthen media freedom which had been granted under the current government since 2015. He recalled how the journalists had been attacked for criticising the former government.
“A person who leads the country should be a good listener,” the NDF candidate insisted.
He said that he hopes to manoeuvre the state apparatus in a manner that it draws less criticism from the media. “As democratic individuals we should be ashamed of ourselves when the media criticises us.”
The NDF candidate described the media as the fourth pillar essential to protect democracy, in addition to the executive, legislature, and the judiciary.
(Pics by Indika Handuwala)
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