Friday, November 16, 2007
Speech by Dr.Devanesan Nesiah
I am privileged to participate in today's celebration of public service journalism. This is the second year of these celebrations, and I am happy that this year there are special prizes for journalists of every part of our Island who promote tolerance as well as other public service values.
I was a public servant for 36 years, of which a third was spent out of Colombo, a few months in Kandy, 2 years in Badulla and 3 years each in Mannar, Batticaloa and Jaffna. Political leaders and public servants in every district should be aware of the needs and aspirations of the public, and the public should be aware of the plans and programs of the state. Journalists have a critical role in developing and promoting such mutual awareness and understanding. Journalists have also a key role in ensuring that public resources are put to optimum use for the benefit of the public. They need to promote public service values and to expose corruption. In today's context, diversity and tolerance are most important, and for this reason that I am happy that this is reflected in the scheme of awards this year.
I am also happy that we began proceedings by saluting the brave journalists who have been killed or otherwise harmed for upholding public service values, tolerance and diversity. We often forget that journalism is not only a noble profession but is also one that requires great courage and commitment. It gives me much satisfaction that the Centre for Policy Alternatives, which is the institution to which I am affiliated, in cooperation with concerned associations of journalists has successfully organized these celebrations.
I thank all of you for your patient hearing and for the privilege afforded to me to address you and to handover to the prize winner the National Level Tolerance Award
I was a public servant for 36 years, of which a third was spent out of Colombo, a few months in Kandy, 2 years in Badulla and 3 years each in Mannar, Batticaloa and Jaffna. Political leaders and public servants in every district should be aware of the needs and aspirations of the public, and the public should be aware of the plans and programs of the state. Journalists have a critical role in developing and promoting such mutual awareness and understanding. Journalists have also a key role in ensuring that public resources are put to optimum use for the benefit of the public. They need to promote public service values and to expose corruption. In today's context, diversity and tolerance are most important, and for this reason that I am happy that this is reflected in the scheme of awards this year.
I am also happy that we began proceedings by saluting the brave journalists who have been killed or otherwise harmed for upholding public service values, tolerance and diversity. We often forget that journalism is not only a noble profession but is also one that requires great courage and commitment. It gives me much satisfaction that the Centre for Policy Alternatives, which is the institution to which I am affiliated, in cooperation with concerned associations of journalists has successfully organized these celebrations.
I thank all of you for your patient hearing and for the privilege afforded to me to address you and to handover to the prize winner the National Level Tolerance Award