Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says journalists have been protected under governments led by him.
The Prime Minister said various forces are at work to manipulate the country in a manner that journalists themselves cannot understand.
The Premier expressed his views at the Temple Trees this morning at the inaugural ceremony of the Asidisi Insurance Awards for journalists, a first by the Ministry of Mass Media.
The Prime Minister said although media can help form governments, media cannot protect governments.
The Prime Minister said during his political career, apart from attorneys he was mostly close to journalists, adding that he was referred to as a ‘reporter’ by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, while he said he preferred being called an editor as he always provided media edited stories.
Premier Rajapaksa said when political gangsters assaulted journalists, they bought them new equipment, adding he never hid the truth from journalists.
He said the more that matters are concealed, the more people remain interested which also leads to false stories.
The Prime Minister said during tough and difficult times journalists have been supportive.
However, the Premier said only governments can protect themselves claiming that if media attempts to protect the government, they should be provided bigger insurance schemes.
While journalists have understood this, the Prime Minister said, members of the government have failed to grasp this fact.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa said the government is facing a difficult period with tough decisions having to be reached adding it could also lead to one pawning their political future
