Creating a code of ethics for media, pivotal – Minister

Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lalkantha highlighted the lack of both political and media ethics in the country. He pointed out that deliberate misinformation spread by certain media outlets causes immense distress to the public.

The Minister emphasised the importance of creating a code of ethics for the media, collaboratively developed by media institutions, journalists and experts in the field. He suggested that such a framework would guide the media industry towards a more responsible and ethical path.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kandy, Minister Lalkantha stated, “The laws of this country apply to everyone, including journalists. There is no nation where journalists are above the law. Just as political ethics are missing, media ethics are also absent in this country. This issue extends to many other institutions as well. It would be best if journalists themselves come together to draft a code of ethics. Laws are essential to put a country on the right path and they apply equally to the media.”

The Minister also stressed that the public must have the opportunity to hold professionals accountable when legal violations occur. He expressed concern over the media’s role in exacerbating public distress, particularly through premature judgements and sensationalised reporting.

“For example, when reporting incidents like sexual assaults or murders, the way the media frames these events often pre-empt judicial decisions, labelling individuals as guilty before the courts have ruled. We have also seen cases where, following vehicle accidents, the media identifies the supposed culprit even before the Police or judiciary have investigated. When a prominent politician’s vehicle is involved, the media often hastens to portray them as the guilty party, regardless of the actual circumstances,” the minister explained.

Minister Lalkantha also criticised the unchecked spread of false information by certain media outlets, calling for tighter controls as both a public right and a societal responsibility.

Commenting on social media platforms, he observed that some operate without accountability, frequently intruding unnecessarily into private lives. “There was once a rumour that my daughter was studying in Canada, when in fact, we were sitting together at home watching the news. I chose not to take legal action, but social media must act with greater responsibility,” he added.

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