The minister was addressing a press conference after he called on the Malwatte and Asgiriya Prelates at their respective temples in Kandy and received their blessings recently. Minister Karunathilake said that certain media persons who rendered a great service towards safeguarding freedom and democracy were murdered during the previous regime while certain others went missing or were grievously assaulted. Although 100 percent freedom was not found in super democracies in the world he would guarantee that unfortunate incidents of the past would never recur in the country again.

He said state media acted partially and followed a one sided policy during the past and that was one reason which antagonized the people towards the then government.

The minister said government reduced fuel prices as promised but the previous regime reduced prices only targeting elections.