Government Issues Warning to Newspaper Over False Reporting on ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Program
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Sri Lankan government has issued a stern warning to a local newspaper owned by a Member of Parliament regarding the publication of false and misleading reports about the government’s "Clean Sri Lanka" national program. Government Spokesman and Minister of Mass Media, Nalinda Jayatissa, addressed the media today, emphasizing that while the government upholds the principles of freedom of expression, it will not tolerate unethical media practices and has the authority to take action against such behavior. The Minister also highlighted the public’s right to lodge complaints against media outlets disseminating misleading information.
The controversy stems from recent articles published by the newspaper, which falsely claimed that street vendors would be prohibited from operating under the "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative. Minister Jayatissa clarified the situation, explaining that the newspaper misrepresented an incident involving street vendors near two schools in Panagoda. Complaints had been received from parents and teachers regarding vendors operating on pavements near Panagoda Junior School and Panagoda Maha Vidyalaya, creating inconvenience and potential safety hazards for children and pedestrians.
The Athurugiriya Police, responding to these complaints, had advised the vendors about the concerns raised, specifically addressing the safety of children and the potential for mosquito breeding due to unsanitary conditions. Contrary to the newspaper’s claims, no legal action was taken, and no arrests were made. The vendors were simply advised about the complaints and the need to maintain hygiene and safety standards in their operations.
Minister Jayatissa accused the newspaper of deliberately conflating this incident with the "Clean Sri Lanka" project to mislead the public and create a negative perception of the government’s initiative. He stated that the newspaper’s reporting was a blatant attempt to manipulate public opinion and falsely portray the government as targeting street vendors. The Minister reiterated that the "Clean Sri Lanka" program aims to improve public hygiene and sanitation across the country and does not involve any measures to restrict or penalize legitimate street vending activities.
The Minister stressed that while the government champions media freedom, it will not hesitate to take action against those who misuse their media platforms for political gain by spreading false, malicious, and manipulative information. He emphasized that the government is committed to safeguarding the public from misinformation and will pursue legal action against media institutions responsible for disseminating such content. The government’s stance underscores the delicate balance between protecting freedom of expression and ensuring responsible journalism that prioritizes accuracy and avoids the spread of misinformation.
This incident highlights the growing concern over the spread of fake news and misinformation, particularly in the context of politically charged environments. The government’s response underscores the importance of holding media outlets accountable for their reporting and preventing the dissemination of false narratives that can mislead the public and undermine public trust. It also raises questions about the role of media ownership and the potential for conflicts of interest when media outlets are owned by individuals with political affiliations. The government’s warning serves as a reminder of the crucial role of responsible journalism in a democratic society and the need to protect the public from the harmful effects of misinformation.