The Mass Media and Information Ministry expressed grave concerns over the conduct of TV journalists, who recorded a statement from Ven. Bowatte Indaratana Thera, a few minutes before his self-immolation on Vesak Day.
Speaking to The Nation, Ministry Secretary Charitha Herath said, “They must have taken some preventive measures as a responsible media organization”. The 30-year-old bikkhu, who was also a former local government representative, set himself on fire in protest of the slaughter of cattle in Kandy, where the most respected Dalada Maligawa is situated.
A private television channel telecast some gruesome images of the self-immolation of the monk including a statement by him before he set himself on fire using a lighter. “This is a sacrifice of a life and not a suicide,” the Thera told the television cameraman further adding that over 5,000 cattle slaughtered in Sri Lanka each morning and measures are needed to stop this even after his sacrifice for the purpose.
However, Media Ministry Secretary reiterated that media’s role should be for the betterment of the society while preventing disasters or damages that could happen. He was of the view that the journalists should have made authorities aware of the unlawful act by the bikkhu. “Had they done that, this unfortunate incident could have been prevented,” Herath said.
When this edition was sent to press, the bikkhu was fighting for his life with an assistance of a ventilator machine at the General Hospital, Colombo. Hospital sources said that his condition serious with burns all over the body.
The Nation, 26.05.2013