Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma blamed wrong political approaches and media practices, as Sri Lankans were not fluent in languages spoken by fellow communities in the country. As a result, people viewed other communities with suspicion.

Minister Alahapperuma made these observations while addressing the 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) held at Al-Hidaya Muslim Maha Vidyalaya auditorium on Saturday (12). 

Alahapperuma recalled that when Sri Lanka gained Independence on 4 February 1948, then Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake announced that Sinhala and Tamil would be used as the official languages of this country. “We can learn lessons from the dark periods this country faced. The youth of this country must be taught of love, tolerance, mutual understanding and brotherhood to protect our country. The Media has a power similar to that of fire. If it is used properly, tremendous benefits could be the outcome. If it is misused it could cause a catastrophe and blow matters out of proportion. The ‘Fire’ of the media must be used for the benefit of our country and the identity of Sri Lanka. Due to wrong media practises, a situation has arisen in the country where people view fellow communities with suspicion. It must be agreed that due to this, they have been subject to great mental anguish. This situation must be changed,”Alahapperuma said.