Civil society organisations (CSOs) requested the media to take a more active role in combatting corruption, and to urgently identify the media’s responsibility regarding the same.

One of the best ways to do that, they added, is to work in collaboration with CSOs.

Citizens of the People’s Struggle organisation’s General Secretary Chanaka Bandara, speaking to The Daily Morning, added that, due to the said situation, the media’s full potential to fight corruption has not been achieved, and that it is a serious issue in the overall struggles in fighting corruption. He made these remarks while speaking about a complaint lodged with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in connection with the alleged duty fraud involving 1,728 Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG vehicles.

“This is not a matter of what is best for CSOs or what those organisations want. This is a matter about public funds being embezzled by various parties. It is when the media raises its voice against corruption, considering this as a national need, that the public also gathers against corruption. Sri Lanka is in need of that type of interest in fighting corruption,” Bandara said, expressing hope that given the country’s situation, the media will soon come forward to fulfil its responsibilities in combating corruption.