Government Denounces "Aruna" Newspaper for Spreading Falsehoods About "Clean Sri Lanka" Initiative
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The newly elected NPP government has launched a scathing attack on the "Aruna" newspaper, owned by media mogul Antigen Dilith, also known as COBRA Jayawira and Dilith Jayaweera, accusing him of deliberately disseminating false information to undermine the recently launched "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative. The government’s Media Minister, Nalinda Jayatissa, vehemently denounced the publication for a front-page story claiming that roadside vendors, including a retired military officer selling jackfruit, were facing legal action under the new program. Jayatissa categorically refuted the report, branding it a malicious fabrication designed to incite public fear and opposition to the initiative. He further accused Dilith Jayaweera of having a history of disseminating misinformation and exploiting national crises for personal gain.
The "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, launched on January 1st, 2025, aims to improve public sanitation and urban aesthetics. However, the government alleges that "Aruna’s" misleading report, which quoted the purported plight of a jackfruit seller facing legal action, has misrepresented the program’s objectives and created unnecessary anxiety among small-scale vendors. The Police Media Spokesperson corroborated the government’s stance, confirming that no such legal action had been taken and no comment was provided to "Aruna," as the newspaper claimed. This incident has reignited concerns about the spread of misinformation and the role of biased media in shaping public perception.
The government’s Media Minister didn’t mince words in his condemnation of Dilith Jayaweera, accusing him of exploiting media freedoms to spread disinformation and destabilize the country. Jayatissa highlighted past instances where Jayaweera allegedly peddled misinformation, including promoting a mythical cobra’s endorsement of a political candidate and touting unverified remedies during the COVID-19 pandemic. He further accused Jayaweera of profiteering from the pandemic through the sale of antigen tests while simultaneously exploiting the crisis to displace communities. These accusations paint a picture of a media figure using his platform to manipulate public opinion and advance his own interests.
The government’s strong reaction to the "Aruna" report underscores its commitment to combating misinformation and upholding the integrity of its policies. With a substantial public mandate, the NPP government argues it has a responsibility to prevent individuals and media outlets from spreading falsehoods that could undermine public trust and hinder the progress of important national initiatives. The government’s Media Minister emphasized that the administration will not tolerate the misuse of media freedom and will take necessary measures to ensure accurate information reaches the public.
The allegations against Dilith Jayaweera and "Aruna" raise larger questions about the role of media ownership and the potential for bias in news reporting. Critics argue that media outlets owned by individuals with vested political or economic interests can be used to manipulate public opinion and serve partisan agendas. The government’s response reflects a growing concern about the impact of such practices on democratic processes and public discourse. The incident also highlights the challenges posed by the rapid spread of information in the digital age, where false narratives can quickly gain traction and erode public trust.
The government’s denouncement of "Aruna" and its owner is likely to further polarize the media landscape in Sri Lanka. While the government defends its stance as a necessary measure to combat misinformation, critics may argue that such actions could be interpreted as attempts to suppress dissenting voices and control the narrative. The clash between the government and "Aruna" represents a broader struggle over the control of information and the future of media freedom in the country. This ongoing tension underscores the importance of fostering a media environment that prioritizes accuracy, accountability, and the public’s right to know.