Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said media institutions have a vital role to play to promote and uphold the human, ethical and cultural values, which has declined in society during the past few decades.
The Minister was speaking at the launching ceremony of the Lake House Media Academy, the latest academic institution by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) for awarding diplomas in journalism held at the Lake House premises on Wednesday.
Dr. Gunawardena said “Today is a turning point in the history of Lake House as the country’s pioneering media institution. Lake House founder D.R.Wijewardene could create a significant public view among the society to change the country’s forward march by setting up this flagship media institution.”
The Minister said whatever ideology is maintained, the Lake House Media Academy should teach its students not to write or disseminate information which would damage the country’s image locally and internationally. The Media Academy should produce quality journalists.
State Minister of Mass Media Shantha Bandara said the qualities and the values of mass media have declined today due to the competition in the media sector. The conduct of some media institutions is not acceptable, he said.
Delivering the keynote address, former Director General of Government Information Department, veteran journalist and foreign news analyst Mohan Samaranayake said that at a time when the entire world is facing an economic recession, the media should play its role of motivating the society. He said: “The current economic issue is not a situation that could be addressed or resolved only by blaming the politicians or the Government. The media can assist to overcome this crisis.”
Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Chairman of Lake House Anusha Palpita said although the Lake House Media Academy is expecting to award diplomas at the initial stage, it is under discussion to upgrade the academy to a degree awarding institution within the coming years. In addition to the diploma in journalism, the academy will also initiate some other courses such as a diploma in photography conducted by the veterans in the fields, he said.
Director (Finance) of Lake House Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam said the media academy by the Lake House is a result of the effort to change the conventional media structure in the country. He said that he believed this academy would become a locally and internationally reputed one in the future.
The first batch of the Lake House Academy consists of 25 students. They will follow this 10-month course along with practical sessions organised in the print and electronic media institutions to complete their diploma course. Reputed academics, veteran journalists and well-known personalities in the field of mass communication will join this diploma course as resource persons.