President Ranil Wickremesinghe, during an event at the Presidential Secretariat to honor veteran journalist Edmund Ranasinghe, stressed the importance of media outlets, including social media, engaging in a discussion regarding their adherence to international agreements or their respective national legal frameworks.

The President's remarks came as he addressed the gathering, recognizing Edmund Ranasinghe, the founding Editor and Editorial Director of the renowned 'Divaina' newspaper, for his distinguished contributions to Sri Lankan journalism.

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the significance of media operating within the framework of national laws, highlighting that the rise of social media has allowed some entities to publish content without adhering to established regulations. This situation has prompted the need for a critical dialogue regarding whether all media, including social media, should follow international agreements or abide by their respective national laws.

He noted that many media outlets often align with European legislation, sparking a debate on which legal standards should prevail in Sri Lanka's media landscape. Additionally, President Wickremesinghe mentioned the evolving nature of the media industry, with newspapers and journals worldwide changing ownership or considering shifts in investments. He emphasized that the future of media could see expertise emerging not only from global hubs like New York but also from Sri Lanka.