“Where are SL media heads and editors here in this forum where we advocate ending impunity of journalists?" Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe asked while delivering the keynote speech at a UNESCO seminar on ending crimes against journalists. 

The Prime Minister queried whether the absence of editors indicated that they did not want media freedom. 

He also asked whether they wanted the Rajapaksa administration back indicating that some sections of media were trying to bring the Rajapaksa family back to power just for the sake of profits. 

The Prime Minister observed some detractors of the government were involved in business deals with the Rajapaksa family. 

He also stated that he was uncertain whether his speech would be published in the media as he was critical of their conduct. 

"They speak of the Galgamuwa tusker. Yes, we will investigate into that. But, did they speak up when which carried the sacred casket was killed" the Prime Minister also asked. 

Wickremesinghe also added that media was attacking the government as democracy had been established in the country. He said the media was acting as if they did not want democracy.

He stressed that only the government and the civil society could not protect media freedom, adding that it was also the duty of the journalistic community.