National unity and sound economic policies vital to steer country ahead - Media Minister

WELIGAMA: As much as national unity we should lay equal emphasis on sound economic strategies if we are to steer the country forward on the path to development said Information and Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa when he inaugurated a seminar organised by the Bakeer Markar Centre for National Unity at the Barbareen Reef Hotel, Weligama recently.

The seminar held on the theme "Media role in building national unity" was part of commemorative ceremonies organised by the Centre to mark the 9th death anniversary of former Speaker Deshamanya Al Haj M. A. Bakeer Markar.

Prof. Sunanda Maddumabandara of the Kelaniya University's Department of Economics presided.

The Minister said the public relied on the media for information and knowledge for a great extent. As such the media had a great responsibility in formulating public opinion towards charting a better future for the country. What we needed today was a dialogue for uniting all communities and creeds for creating a better country which could be bestowed on our future generation.

The media, he said should educate the public on the need for national unity without leaving the onus only on the politicians.

Referring to the national problem Minister Yapa said the best way to solve it was to stabilise democracy in the country.

We should also spurn communalism and religious fanaticism while fulfilling our religious and cultural duties.

UNP Deputy Leader and Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya said political and religious unity was a pre-requisite for building national unity. The ethnic problem should be resolved soon without allowing it to fester any more.

To achieve this end politicians should make some sacrifices and take a firm decision.

Chairman, Bakeer Markar, Centre for National Unity Imthiaz Bakeer Markar said the time had come for all communities to shed petty differences and suspicions and build national unity for the sake of the country's future.

Head of the Kelaniya University Mass Communication Unit Dr. Chandrasiri Rajapakse, Head of the Sri Palee Faculty Mass Communication Unit Dr. Tudor Weerasinghe and Sri Lanka Press Institute Director General Ranga Kalansuriya were the moderators.

Presidential Advisor A. H. M. Azwer, Lankadeepa Editor in Chief Siri Ranasinghe and Rupavahini Corporation CEO Sarath Kongahage were among others present.

The Weligama declaration on national unity and role of the media was unanimously adopted at the conclusion of the seminar.