Some politicians, media institutions spreading false news to create anarchy: President

By Ajith Siriwardana

Some politicians and media institutions are spreading false news to create anarchy in the country with an intention to create instability without giving the new government strong power, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

Speaking at an election rally in Matara, he said some politicians are spreading false news on public sector salaries, while some media institutions are spreading false news on key economic sectors to create anarchy in the society.

“We have ensured power only in a few institutions. Political power is established when strong power is ensured in several institutions such as the Presidency, Cabinet, Parliament, Provincial Councils and Local Government Bodies. We have only the Presidency and a small cabinet. Parliament is dissolved. Provincial Councils are crumpled. Only three months lapsed after we took over power. So, some media intuitions and some politicians are trying to create instability without giving strong power,” he said.

He ruled out media reports that Indian intelligence agencies provided the intelligence report on a potential threat to tourist locations and offered Rs. 5 million to certain individuals to carry out the attacks.

The President said some politicians claim that a decision was taken to increase public sector salaries and funds were also allocated and pointed out that it is done to create issues among the public servants who supported the NPP most at the Presidential Election.

“Whether a cabinet decision was taken or funds had been allocated, we will increase public sector salaries in the first budget,” he said.

The President said some media institutions were stuck to old unethical practices and requested them to adopt a new, democratic approach in journalism.

He said media institutions are important for ensuring democracy in the country and expressed hope that media institutions will adopt the practice of responsible reporting.