Don’t shed tears after attacking us and destroying media freedom'

23 July 2018 11:15 pm - 27 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena today said he made a humble appeal from the friends of the media not to shed tears after attacking, weakening and destroying the government by way of destroying the enabled democracy and media freedom in the country.

The President said he was making this request from the media institutions which did not give a proper coverage to the government but obstructed it.

Addressing the ‘Water Filling Ceremony of the ‘Moragahakanda – Kaluganga Reservoir’ at Laggala, he added that when the people watched private TV channels, in the afternoon, they were compelled to feel that there was no government, there was no administration, no law and order and no governance but only misery, mayhem and sufferings.

“Both, the print and electronic media in the private sector in many instances used an unimportant but sensational statement of a politician or top government official - in many instances a slip of the tongue - to attack the government and its action. What they try to depict is that this government has done nothing for the people. But I request you, not to forget the freedom, dignity, self-respect we gave you after January 8, 2015. I never ask you to take the government’s side but tell the truth. Show the truth and print the truth. Don’t forget that you give publicity to all these negative and malicious comments against the government while enjoying the independence, democratic rights and dignity this government restored for you,” President Sirisena emphasized.

He said the private media has hopelessly failed to give a glimpse of good deeds of the unity government to the people. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 27

Ash Monday, 23 July 2018 11:40 PM

In that case you should be more in the country and advising the public on the good development undertaken.

Ceylon Tuesday, 24 July 2018 12:58 AM

This fakwr shamelessly telling he is guarding media freedom while once tried to ban fb permenently and few months ago destroyed part of tnl tv for revealing his wrong doings.

Scooby Doo Tuesday, 24 July 2018 09:31 AM

I am not a fan of this gentleman but in this case I will take his side. Media was silent during MR`s period because they know what will happen if they open up. Now these medias are enjoying the freedom but what they show to people is only the mistakes of the government.

Stunned Citizen Tuesday, 24 July 2018 01:18 AM

Had you implemented, convicted the criminals and delivered all what you promised you wouldn’t have to beg for the limelight. The press and the people would given it to on a platter. Respect is earned not bought

jim Tuesday, 24 July 2018 02:02 AM

prevent the corruption and everthing will be ok.You cannot blame the media for covering all your incapablities, not just as leader, but also as humans.

Gamini Tuesday, 24 July 2018 03:45 AM

Don't shed tears after people unceremoniously send you home in 2020.

Kaush Tuesday, 24 July 2018 08:53 AM

Seems like you have a better alternative for 2020. Please tell us. Like to hear about it. We also need a better leader who can run the country with educated decent group of 225 MPs.

Sunil P Perera Tuesday, 24 July 2018 04:10 AM

I guess ...congradulations YP government...!! Point taken...keep up the good work and the press will do a fair job..!

Duminda Tuesday, 24 July 2018 04:33 AM

This is very true President. But many ways you and govt failed. Mainly to get creditable investigations over well know persons who stolen millions and millions of people's money.

Somapala Tuesday, 24 July 2018 05:14 AM

Absolute Truth!

Citizen Tuesday, 24 July 2018 05:46 AM

Already resigned to the fact that there will be change of govt soon.

Stan Tuesday, 24 July 2018 06:33 AM

I can't disagree with the president this time but for some reason the public seems to only be interested in drama and irrelevant news while ignoring the good. Something I've noticed on Daily Mirror is that articles depicting the government (and politicians as a whole) as useless gets many comments while anything good about them gets few or no comments - some might argue that the government actually does nothing, but statistics say otherwise. This could be a result of trust issues with what the government says as they failed to deliver campaign promises.

Haramanis Tuesday, 24 July 2018 06:34 AM

Just let us know of even one Project this Govt has initiated and completed. All you have done is claim credit for what the previous regime did, all the while blaming them for corruption. We will however forever remember the Bond Scam and your ongoing cover up

dulan Tuesday, 24 July 2018 08:14 AM

UNP govt got money from ADB and commenced Southern Highway

Premalal Tuesday, 24 July 2018 06:53 AM

You do well to get on with your job for which the tax payer pay you for, and let the press do theirs. The press are a much tougher bunch than the politicians and they could weather any storm.

J A Nihal Peiris Tuesday, 24 July 2018 06:54 AM

DEAR President allowing Too much Freedom to opportunist raising heads to ruin entire Nation pl stop all this nonsense immediately using your Executive Powers

Amal Tuesday, 24 July 2018 07:01 AM

This is 100% true

Titanic Tuesday, 24 July 2018 07:08 AM

Yes. Correct, the news shows in P.chanels are disputes among family, husband and wife and pin-point that the country is in trouble.

sigiriya Tuesday, 24 July 2018 08:04 AM

I agree with the President. I find that people do not have any pride that they are citizens of Sri Lanka. they only peal negatively about the Country and blame it on the Government. What I appreciate most about this Government is that now there is an air of freedom and security. This was not there before 2015 and remember we were heading for a cruel dictatorship.

Supramaniammahendran Tuesday, 24 July 2018 08:10 AM

He is a generous man

Jayantha Bulathsinghala Tuesday, 24 July 2018 08:13 AM

Press freedom is there as long as you aŕe not mean to Yahapalana.

Titanic Tuesday, 24 July 2018 10:16 AM

Dear president I have to tell you the truth, i have noticed you mouth will open to speak some thing good only before some Election to come, after the election we can't see your mouth, Why is this, President, any thing WRONG ?

sampath Tuesday, 24 July 2018 10:23 AM

that's the way to go President. Actually our media will regret the freedom they enjoy now when they are summoned to a meeting with Gota in front of his fish tank full of sharks...

Asanga Tuesday, 24 July 2018 10:30 AM

I'm totally agreed with this statement, greedy Electronics

ARS Tuesday, 24 July 2018 10:43 AM

Kudos to Pres. I am not a yahapalanaya fan anymore.. but this one is much needed. Media should take the responsibility for bulk of the problems nowadays. Even to convey this i'm using the media but sorry i have to be very frank.. we all have to play our part to perfection. ;)

Damian Tuesday, 24 July 2018 01:16 PM

Enough of talking action required

Nadaal Tuesday, 24 July 2018 02:15 PM

Dear HEP,Cost of living is sky high. Taxes are increased and income remains the same or less. Thief’s are thriving, drug trade have soared and underworld thriving. We are hungry and struggling to make ends meet. This is not media’s doing. The inefficient government under you and Ranil is responsible. Looks like you are shedding Crocodile tears

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Don’t shed tears after attacking us and destroying media freedom'

Comments - 27

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