Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has slammed the way shootings are reported in Sri Lanka, warning that turning violent crimes into daily tallies only fuels underworld gangs competing for attention.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Government Information Department, Nalinda Jayatissa stressed that announcing figures such as “99 shootings today” or “101 this month” gives criminals a sense of achievement and even encourages them to escalate violence further. He argued that this type of sensationalist reporting does not serve public safety but instead risks normalizing crime in the eyes of society.
According to the Minister, groups seeking notoriety thrive on publicity, and irresponsible reporting can unintentionally become their platform. He emphasized that crime must be reported with responsibility, focusing on the solutions, law enforcement measures, and the broader social context rather than making it look like a scoreboard.
Nalinda’s comments reflect growing concern about the impact of media coverage on public perception of violence, especially with shootings on the rise across the island. He urged media institutions to play a constructive role, helping reduce fear and discouraging criminals instead of glorifying their actions.
By drawing attention to the dangers of crime-inducing headlines, the Minister has challenged journalists to rethink how they frame violent incidents. In his view, information should protect and empower citizens, not boost the popularity of gangs competing for dominance.
