It has been my privilege to play a role in the journey of the Daily News and to steward its exceptional team through this historic milestone in the life of our nation.
For one hundred years, this newspaper has been held in the hands of our citizens, and keeping them abreast of what is happening in our country through sun or rain, curfews and failed coup d’e tat.
As my friend Lasantha Wickrematunge wrote in his own obituary shortly before he was slain, “the free media serve as a mirror in which the public can see itself sans mascara and styling gel. From us, you learn the state of your nation, and especially its management by the people you elected to give your children a better future.”
While those were not our finest hours, it is our duty to reflect on and learn from such episodes, and forge a culture and systems into our institution that ensures a level of journalistic integrity and balance that can withstand whatever challenges the future presents.
In that regard, I could not be prouder of the example set by our Editor Mr. Lallith Allahakkoon and the entire editorial team, who strive every day to do justice to the public trust and ensure that the citizens of this country get the news that matters to them, with the level of detail they require to fulfill their own civic duties, whatever they may be.
It is no coincidence that the revival of this newspaper’s independence came under a government distinguished by a President and Prime Minister who both worked at Lake House before entering politics, and a Media Minister with a unique intuition for the media. It is in this context that I join the leaders of our country in doffing my hat to the Daily News team, and looking ahead to the next chapter in our journey together.