Government news authorities are expressed unhappy that local, state and private media outlets continue to violate the recommendations made to the media during news coverage during the epidemic.
The Government Information Department has once again informed the medias that it has been observed once again that certain media institutions are broadcasting scenes that should not be done in connection with the funerals of those who died due to the Covid 19 virus.
Nalaka Kaluwewa, Director General of Government Information, said in a statement to news chiefs and authors, “In this way, the media will display the most sensitive activities, especially the transportation, entry and cremation of the coffin to the crematorium.”
Nalaka Kaluwewa News Chiefs have been reminded that such media practices cause severe psychological distress and prejudice to the relatives and close associates of those individuals.
The Director General of Government Information has further requested that the recommendations made by the Ministry of Health and the Covid 19 Prevention Task Force be followed to prevent such media use.
Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Mass Media and Information, after a discussion with all heads of electronic media and news outlets on October 12, at the press release press release on ‘Covid 19’ with news media coverage on October 13, signed by Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information Jagath P. Wijeweera. There were 10 main facts in a letter.
It’s as follows;
-Always use only authentic and verified sources to report on Covid 19,
-Never mention race or religion in quoting persons / patients and deaths quarantined;
-Avoid referring to people who are infected with the virus as “sick” but “contagious”.
-Reporting the level of risk based on technical and scientific facts only and avoiding socialization on the personalities of different individuals;
-Preventing the display of photographs and videos of quarantined persons and patients without their permission,
-It is advisable to use blurred footage when displaying sensitive photographs or videos of funerals. Also, by showing the body of a person infected with Kovid 19 at the time of death, especially during the cremation scenes, and at the time of cremation, the body was placed in the coffin and the protective clothing and gloves worn by the crew before the machine was activated. Broadcasting only footage of the body being brought to the cemetery, which is essential to avoid such disrespect to the person who has been removed and thrown into the scene.
-Using footage in such a way as not to reveal the identities of the family members attending the cremation.
-In some cases, there may be potential conflicts / disputes, including in quarantine areas and people trying to quarantine, and health inspectors, depending on practicalities. If it is necessary to broadcast the scenes in such a way as to protect the dignity of all parties,
-Avoid reporting information that could cause hatred in the public,
-This Covid 19 position is to provide news and awareness so that people do not have stress and frustration in their minds but have positive expectations about the future and mutual support.
The letter was signed by Jagath P. Wijeweera, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information. Power House Ltd Chairman Dilith Jayaweera, Capital Maharaja Network Chairman R. Raja Mahendran, Voice of Asia Network Chairman Roshantha Kariyapperuma, Art Television Broadcasting Chairman IWA Senanayake Media Network Director General Rohana Hon. Niraj Wickramasinghe, Chairman, L Radio Network, Nihal Seneviratne Epa, Chairman, Asset Radio Broadcasting, Rajrika Edirisinghe, Chairman, Lakvivi Broadcasting, Shanil Mendis, Chairman, Lanka Television Network To Janith Jayasena, Manager, Sri Lanka Media Network