Govt. requests media not to cover security operations

The Government yesterday requested country’s media institutions not to cover the search operations conducted by security forces in houses and public places, as unwarranted media publicity has inconvenienced some communities.

The President’s Media Division in a release said a request has been made to the President by several persons not to telecast the occasions when security forces conduct search operations in houses and public places through the media.

Furthermore, clear instructions have been given to the security forces not to allow the participation of civilians when conducting search operations, such that it is conducted exclusively by the members of the security forces, and the President has instructed security forces not to involve journalists in search operations.

At present, a special security program has been implemented across the country, according to the advice of the President and under the guidance and supervision of the Ministry of Defense, following the unexpected and regrettable incidents of violence on the Easter Sunday.

Under this process, investigations are being carried out continuously and houses, public places, and vehicles are being inspected.

As a result of unwarranted media publicity for these investigations conducted with the aim of ensuring the public security, various communities in society face difficulty, due to the telecast of these footages, and some persons who are not involved in terrorist activities in any way face great inconveniences, because society deemed them as terrorists.

Various sections of society, including religious leaders, have petitioned the President in this regard several times, and considering those requests and in order to prevent inconvenience to any community in the society, the Government requests all media institutions not to conduct media coverage regarding these search operations. (ColomboPage)