Journalists should always wield their pens with utmost respect to the President, President Maithripala Sirisena said.

“It is very unfortunate if journalists resort to praise politicians and protect them for their private benefits,” he added.

The President was speaking at a ceremony to issue a souvenir stamp in memory of the late senior journalist D. B. Danapala, in Colombo. yesterday.

"A journalist has a huge responsibility to give wisdom to the public," the President said, in his speech. 

"But, I am sad to say that some journalists are in the pockets of wrongdoers". 

"They attack those who do the right and praise the wrongdoers for personal benefits," he added. 

"Today, we need not one D.B. Dhanapala, but at least a hundred journalists like him." 

During this event, the President appreciated the service rendered to the society by the late D.B. Dhanapala.

The keynote address of this ceremony was delivered by former Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa.

The commemorative stamp issued to commemorate  Dhanapala was presented to several Senior Journalists and also to the grandson of Mr. D.B. Dhanapala Dr.Dhanushka Meegahawaththa.