The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has urged the Ministry of Mass Media to take immediate action against Hiru Media Network and Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, accusing the broadcaster of gravely misusing media freedom and spreading false information that harmed the institution and the country.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry Secretary, CPC Chairman said repeated irresponsible reporting by Hiru Media Network has damaged the CPC’s reputation, undermined public trust, and posed risks to the national economy and energy security.
The complaint centred on a news broadcast aired on April 16, which alleged Sri Lanka paid USD 286 per barrel for crude oil. CPC described the report as entirely false, noting that the channel distorted international reports, misrepresented import details, and falsely suggested CPC was responsible for such a transaction.
Despite CPC issuing an official clarification, Hiru Media Network continued to broadcast the claim, citing HSBC in a distorted manner, the statement said. The Chairman warned that such misinformation could trigger public unrest, erode confidence in a nationally significant institution, damage international credibility, and negatively affect Sri Lanka’s relations with foreign suppliers and lenders.
He requested the Ministry to launch an immediate investigation, review compliance with media standards, order a retraction and correction of the false report, and implement regulatory measures to prevent recurrence. The CPC Chairman stressed that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, deliberate dissemination of false information that undermines the national economy cannot be tolerated.
(NewsWire)
