http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/31/news20.asp
Call for a South Asian news agency Manjula FERNANDO Media and information Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa called for a South Asian News Agency that would paint a true picture of what is happening in the region, when the SAARC Journalists's Summit was opened in Colombo yesterday.. The minister said "Why should we let others make us inhibit their versions of our reality ? Let us first write our stories ourselves." The journalists summit which dedicated itself this year to discuss the freedom of media in conflict situations was inaugurated by the Media Minister at the Trans Asia Hotel yesterday. The Minister said the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) has succeeded in laying the foundation for such an entity. "South Asia is a region where traditions of democracy, over flowing emotions, keen interest in politics and healthy curiosity has made for an alert public and even more alert media," he said adding that it was hard to keep anything hidden from the 'watchdogs'. Speaking of the Sri Lankan situation in particular he said "with 14 television stations, 32 radio stations and 23 newspapers and private media out numbering state media, with ever expanding internet access and proliferation of news-related websites, it is impossible to hide anything from anybody. The State media cannot lie and getaway with it. Neither can the private media for that matter." Emphasising that there was a responsible and crucial role to play by media in society the minister said the role of SAFMA, in this light, was indeed commendable for its commitment to the region's development and cooperation among journalists across national boundaries. He said the Sri Lankan Government was committed to ensure media freedom and freedom of the press despite facing a difficult war with a ruthless terrorist organization that has introduced the notion of suicide bombers to the world. While acceding that the era of controlling the access to media and information is long gone the Minister underscored the need for responsible journalism and the need to understand the region's ground realities. Sadaf Arshad of SAFMA making an opening presentation said woes of media in South Asia are not different from those of any other conflict ridden region where journalists become victim of adversaries. She presented country reports outlining the situation in each of the eight nations as evaluated by SAFMA. The event, attended by nearly 120 foreign and some 80 local journalists is held from July 30 to August 1 coinciding the SAARC Summit. The delegates will attend the inauguration of the SAARC main summit at the BMICH on August 2. SAFMA Secretary General Imtiaz Alam and Sri Lanka Chapter President Lakshman Gunasekara also spoke.
