Speaking in Parliament, she stressed the urgent need to prevent the circulation of false or misleading information that could create panic and confusion among the public at a critical time.
The Deputy Minister said that the government is not seeking praise from the media, but instead expects accurate, data-driven reporting that reflects the real situation in the country.
Emphasizing the media’s role in maintaining public trust, she stated that reporting should be objective and based on verified facts rather than unsubstantiated claims or narratives.
Dr. Ariyaratne also expressed concern over the rapid spread of unverified content on social media, warning that such misinformation could incite unrest and mislead citizens.
She therefore called on all media stakeholders and the public to exercise caution, verify information before sharing, and avoid contributing to the spread of false news during this sensitive period.
