A workshop for media in Sri Lanka was held by the government to mark World Press Freedom Day, under the title “Patriotism and the role of media”.

Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella said at the event that Sri Lanka’s media has to act responsibly and with self-constraint.

“The media which is a trustworthy and powerful tool in moulding people’s opinion and understanding is playing an important and powerful assignment similar to the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

“As it has been acknowledged in the constitution the right of the people for their freedom of language and the freedom of expression, and if these rights are not being implemented properly people will lose their trust in the democracy,

“If the people get true information about things happening in the country at all times they will come to right conclusions. The trust of the people will not get slackened. But distorting of information, misleading the people’s opinion, and destabilizing the society by using the media are also taking place. In this regard that it is important that the professional journalists should act with the right understanding,

“As it has been emphasized in the Mahinda Chintana it is my belief that instead of using the media for mere political animosity, it should be used with self restraints for achieving country’s social, cultural economic development objectives and to raise the glorious name of the country without damaging social and moral ethics. Therefore, it is my policy to strengthen the media personnel with knowledge and experience to establish a developed media culture,

"With the media freedom, the number of media institutions has also increased. Under these circumstances it is essential to identify the right path the media should proceed.”

Rambukwella ended his statement saying that he firmly believes that this workshop will help to clarify the roadmap for Sri Lanka's media.