Television and Sinhala Newspaper Coverage on the Accident and Death of State Minister Sanath Nishantha

Abstract

On January 25 and 26, 2024, several newspapers, including Aruna, Dinamina, Mawbima, Lankadeepa, Divaina, and TV news like Hiru, Rupavahini, Derana, Sirasa, Swarnavahini, and Siyatha, disclosed the identities of Sanath Nishantha's underage children when reporting his accident and death. These disclosures risk disrupting the children's school life and privacy. In contrast, Ada newspaper followed ethical reporting standards and covered the incident without revealing the minors' identities.