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SLPI and FMM panel discussion urges caution in ‘Reporting Sensitive Incidents’
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(L-R): Mr Ajith Parakum Jayasinghe, blogger and social activist, Mr M J R David, consultant at University of Vocational Training - Ratmalana, Mr Shan Wijethunge, head of the Sri Lanka College of Journalism, Ms Hana Ibrahim, editor Daily and Weekend Express and Mr Kamal Liyanaarachchi, complaints officer of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) and the Free Media Movement (FMM) organised a panel discussion on “Reporting Sensitive Incidents” to mark World Press Freedom Day, on Friday, May 3.
The panel of speakers at this discussion were Ms Hana Ibrahim, editor Daily and Weekend Express, Mr M J R David, consultant at University of Vocational Training – Ratmalana, Mr Ajith Parakum Jayasinghe, blogger and social activist, and Mr Kamal Liyanarachchi, complaints officer of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka. The session was moderated by Mr Shan Wijethunge, Head of Sri Lanka College of Journalism.
The speakers shared their views on the need for responsible journalism during the prevailing situation in the country, a press release from the SLPI stated.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of balanced and ethical reporting, and the need to avoid a competitive attitude to release news, while reporting accurately. It was noted that this was a time to be sensitive, as there are communities which are impacted, victimised and made vulnerable by the recent events, the release said.
“Therefore utmost care should be taken to ensure that whatever news is being shared, irrespective of media platform, it should not disturb the peace that prevails and should not instigate problems among a multi-cultural society as Sri Lanka,” the release added.
A section of the participants attending the panel discussion