Search Operations And The MedIa

Following the Easter Sunday attacks, the Security Forces have been conducting a spate of rigorous search operations… initially with the media in tow. The advent of media riding along during search ops have left in its wake a host of questions concerning privacy infringements. While the public may request media transparency at a critical time such as this, it must be acknowledged that some of these individuals may well be innocent, and as a result of their faces being televised, the innocents will likely be forced to contend with disastrous consequences.

This will certainly pose a moral dilemma for prospective decision makers, and may possibly result in divergent and inconsistent resolutions. On one end of the spectrum, the interest of the public in obtaining newsworthy information and of the media in providing it, and, on the other end, the interest of property owners in justifiable expectations of privacy.

Nevertheless, it is difficult to presume where the line falls between legitimate news coverage and invasion of privacy.

In Sri Lanka, it seems apparent that this may lead to sensationalism under the guise of media freedom and the citizen's right to information, considering some of these organizations having been systematically and painstakingly televising these operations conducted even in private homes with any disregard for privacy. In addition, coverage appears to paint all individuals questioned by police as terrorists, providing fodder for individuals hellbent on capitalising on the tragedy to fulfill personal and political agendas while simultaneously giving unprecedented rise to fear psychosis among the masses.

Media covering such raids will certainly instil confidence in the Sri Lankan Security Forces in the eyes of the general public. Transparency would also ensure there will be no need for unnecessary speculation, rumours and fear mongering. Even so, considering the volatile state of the collective psyche of the nation, shouldn't the media exercise constraint? Specifically in instances where an individual's privacy, and in extension their wellbeing, may be compromised. The Daily Mirror Life spoke to a group of individuals who shared their views on the debate and ethics of such coverage.

Media covering such raids and searches will certainly instil confidence in the Sri Lankan Security Forces in the eyes of the general public. However, in Sri Lanka, it seems apparent that this could also lead to sensationalism...