Media has responsibility to build good image of SL: President

 President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meeting with media owners at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday 

• President assures non-interference in media freedom, highlights responsibility 
• Expects fullest support to increase efficiency, eliminate corruption, achieve development 

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has yesterday assured owners of media organisations that media freedom will not be hindered in any form during his tenure, the President’s Media said in a statement. 

During a meeting with owners of media institutions, President Rajapaksa assured the opportunity exists for any reasonable criticism, the statement said. He added that he expects every media institute to fulfil its obligation towards the country, while engaging in favourable media reporting to uphold the country’s reputation.

“People of this country elected me to the office of the President with great expectations. Enhancing the efficiency of politicians and public officials, elimination of corruption, and ensuring economic development are some of the priorities among them. As such, I expect the fullest support and cooperation of media towards achieving these objectives,” the President said.

A positive image of the country is imperative in attracting investments and building economic cooperation at the international level. 

The media has a wider responsibility in building a good image regarding the country, President said. He appreciated how media reacted and reported about the incident related to the Swiss Embassy employee, the statement added.

“The President expressed his regret over the attempts by international media channels to give undue publicity to this incident, and pointed out that media in this country have the ability to counter such false propaganda,” the statement noted. 

The statement went on to say the President updated the media heads on the city’s beautification projects and wall painting projects currently underway throughout the country, stressing these new developments are not a result of anyone’s request, but an artistic trend originated by the youth who love their country.

The President also emphasised the importance of media to encourage them. The discussion was held with the participation of both print and electronic media heads.