-By Sunil Gamini Jayalathge
(Lanka-e-News -22.Jan.2025, 11.00 PM) During the tenure of Mahinda Rajapaksa as President, an investigation has commenced into the mansion constructed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was then the Secretary of Defense, in Kataragama. Recently, Gotabaya was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning regarding this matter.
The first revelations about this mansion were made by Lanka News Paper. At the time, the editor of the newspaper, Chandana Sirimalwatta, was also summoned to the CID for questioning regarding this report.
Interestingly, this interrogation was not aimed at uncovering facts about the mansion. Instead, it was conducted to accuse the newspaper and its editor of defaming the Rajapaksa family and tarnishing the government’s reputation.
How did Gotabaya, a government servant whose salary came from taxpayers’ money, manage to construct a mansion on land belonging to the Kataragama Depot? How did the Water Board in Kataragama issue water bills in Gotabaya’s name for this property? These are questions that the people of Sri Lanka have a right to know, a fact firmly upheld by Lanka News Paper.
It is clear that the media outlet and the journalist stood resolutely for the people's right to information and societal accountability.
This incident serves as a reminder of the power and social responsibility of journalists.
The power wielded by journalists and the media is unique—it can be used equally for societal benefit or detriment. Journalists can utilize their influence to awaken humanity within society and foster progress and ethics.
Conversely, if misused, a single news article or report can incite division and chaos within a nation.
One does not need to look as far back as 1983; even recent history provides ample examples of how media has fueled ethnic tensions, leading to unrest and destruction in Sri Lanka. However, true journalists and ethical media professionals avoid such practices.
Given the immense power of journalism, it must be wielded responsibly and with a sense of discipline. Ethical journalists value self-regulation. Society, in turn, expects media professionals to adhere to fundamental principles, ethical standards, and legal frameworks in their work.
There have been instances where authorities have imposed restrictions on the media. It would be naive to assume that such restrictions will not occur in the future. These restrictions are often justified in the name of public welfare. Regardless of the motives of those in power, society expects journalists to wield their pens, voices, and visuals in a manner that serves public welfare.
There is no need to curtail freedom, but society views media freedom as something to be exercised with responsibility.
Historically, print journalists claimed a prominent role in shaping societal discourse. Over time, electronic media joined the fray, and today, social media has expanded the media landscape to limitless proportions.
As a result, both media professionals and others utilizing these platforms must act without malice, hatred, or prejudice.
Defaming or glorifying someone unjustly only results in losing public trust. Those who indulge in such practices live in castles in the air, detached from reality.
True respect from the public can only be earned by presenting both strengths and flaws. Society views such individuals as impartial and reliable. To function as an unbiased journalist, one must possess the strength to remain steadfast in the face of personal desires and pressures.
Ultimately, the media’s role in society is not just about reporting but also about uplifting and fostering accountability. By presenting facts impartially, journalists can earn the respect and trust of society while promoting the greater good.
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by (2025-01-22 20:11:25)
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