Any arrest of accredited journalists must be reported to Govt. Info Dept - Dullas

COLOMBO (News 1st): Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma says that if a journalist with media accreditation is arrested in the future, the IGP must take steps to inform the Director of Government Information Department.

The Minister made this statement at a discussion held with the Sri Lanka Editors' Forum at the Ministry of Mass Media and Information yesterday (30).

The Minister also pointed out the importance of amending and updating the Press Council Law No. 5 of 1973 to take into account the recent developments and trends in the field of media.

The Sri Lanka Editors' Forum made several suggestions relating to mechanisms to be implemented for electronic media and social media.

The Minister said that the process of amending the Press Council Law has been initiated and assured that the recent events of summoning journalists to the CID, will not be repeated.

He further stated that all possible steps will be taken to empower journalists and strengthen the media sector in order to build a prosperous media pattern.