Working on western models will not solve our problems on this issue.  We should draw inspirations from local sources that suit us.

Prof. Athugala expressed these ideas at a Workshop titled “The Law of Media in Controlling Violence to the Women” held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute recently.

The workshop discussed the issues of Reports in the Media on violence to women,its impact on society and ways to bring about an attitudinal change on the issues.  Prof. Athugala further stated that legal framework on the subject of violence to women should be strengthened. 

More attention should be paid to media ethics as well as the use of language in reporting  of such issues.  Ccuriosity is made a main tool, adding an emotional touch to such incidents.  It sometimes happens that the content has no relevance to the title.  It has been observed that in some instances no ethics or regulations in media are followed, due to competition.

A sixteen day workshop on this subject will be held from 10th of December. 

The secretary of the Child Development and Women’s Affairs Ministry Eric Illayaparachchi and other invitees also addressed the meeting.(NJ/KH)