Trincomalee Media House hosts discussion forum with EPC Minister
Internews, through its Trincomalee Media House, hosted a forum discussion for local journalists on problems facing journalists in the district. Thirty-two local journalists attended, including the president of the Trincomalee District Media Society, Mr. Mangalanath. The featured speaker was the Minister of Roads, Irrigation, Housing and Rural Electrification from the Eastern Provincial Counci, Honorable M.S. Uthumalebbe. He was accompanied by his Secretary, Mr. Ziauddin, and his personal assistant, Mr. Jeganhir.
In discussing language challenges facing journalists reporting on official events and attending press conferences, the Minister explained that simultaneous interpretation facilities would be made available to journalists.
The journalists also explained to the Minister other challenges they face, including access to areas for reporting, lack of equipment, and development and infrastructure needs in the community. The Minister discussed potential solutions to these problems and the possibility of opening opening of a Media Unit under the Eastern Provincial Council.
The discussion forum helped improve communication and establish a conducive working relationship between local journalists and the Eastern Provincial Council.
Mr. Sivarasasegaram, Trincomalee Media House Manager for Internews, explained the media house services to the journalists in attendance, including the IT facilities, multi-media equipment, and newspapers provided for journalists.
Internews Media House in Trincomalee was opened in June 2010 with funding from the Royal Netherlands Embassy to provide training and assistance to provincial journalists.
