Sajith bars Daily Mirror over liquor controversy

17 May 2024 09:13 am Views - 154

• Decision comes in the wake of accusations made by Premadasa, who criticized the publication for what he deemed as a “mockery of journalism.”  
• On many occasions Premadasa has taken out his frustration on the paper after the paper made critical coverage on him as an Opposition Leader
• Premadasa is yet to respond to an invitation by Daily Mirror for a debate among the three prospective presidential candidates

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa has announced yesterday a ban on the Daily Mirror from covering any press briefings held by the SJB.

The decision comes in the wake of accusations made by Premadasa, who criticized the publication for what he deemed as a “mockery of journalism.”   

Accusing the Daily Mirror of deliberately misquoting a statement made by him on banning liquor licenses in the country, Premadasa in a note on ‘X” (formerly twitter ) expressed his frustration at the handling of his statements.   

However on many occasions Premadasa has taken out his frustration on the paper after the paper made critical coverage on him as an Opposition Leader.  

One such example is when Premadasa said he would lead the Aragalaya to oust former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from his seat on July 9, 2022, but instead of leading the protest he got himself admitted at a private hospital in Colombo leaving the public to wonder where the Opposition Leader was.  

Sajith Premadasa should be reminded that the Daily Mirror does not dance to the tune of any politician but instead serves the public in an accurate manner. Him banning Daily Mirror from press briefings is a loss to himself.   

Meanwhile, Premadasa is yet to respond to an invitation by Daily Mirror for a debate among the three prospective presidential candidates.