The Hindu : `Most respected foreign newspaper in Sri Lanka'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 14, 2003

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`Most respected foreign newspaper in Sri Lanka'

The following is the text of the congratulatory messages received from the Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe:

In her message, President Kumaratunga said:

"The Hindu is one of the oldest and longest standing publications in Asia and the most respected foreign newspaper in Sri Lanka. The Hindu and its other publications such as the Frontline and Business Line are widely read by discerning Sri Lankans.

"The Hindu is acclaimed for its objectivity and respect for truth. In this age, when distortion of truth and fabrication of untruths have become a part of the new media culture, the publishers of The Hindu can be duly proud of their excellent record in maintaining the high standards expected from the media by the public.

"The Hindu reports on Sri Lankan issues over the years and primarily about the protracted ethnic crisis have been well-researched and balanced at all times. I have had occasion to interact with several of your correspondents based in Colombo and have been impressed with their professionalism and in depth knowledge of Sri Lankan affairs.

"I have the privilege of being associated with The Hindu publishing house for many years.

"I am pleased to be able to send you this message when you celebrate 125 years of unbroken publication. I avail myself of this occasion to extend my heartiest congratulations and good wishes to the proprietors, directors, journalists and staff of The Hindu Group publications. May you be blessed with many more years of professional journalism."

In his message, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said:

"The celebration of the 125th anniversary of The Hindu is an occasion of great satisfaction and joy to all who cherish freedom and democracy.

"Over its years of existence, The Hindu has played a notable part in India's continuing endeavour to extend the frontiers of the ideals of democracy.

"Sri Lanka's own struggle for freedom which commenced in the latter part of the 19th century has been inspired in many ways by what happened in India and the work of the great Indian leaders. The role of The Hindu, as a leading Indian newspaper, can never be forgotten in our country's own quest for independence.

"The Hindu has further strengthened the links between the two countries and Sri Lanka's reading public through the establishment, fifteen years ago, of an office in Colombo. This not only helps to keep our people informed of the latest developments in India but also in turn provides the Indian public with objective information about events and happenings in Sri Lanka.

"The strength of the media in any country must depend on its independent attitude, its seriousness of intent, the fairness and balance which it exhibits through its reporting and the critical spirit it displays in general.

"While The Hindu has epitomised many of these characteristics through the years, an anniversary as important as this provides further opportunity for renewing its commitment to these high ideals.

"Having had long-standing family connections with the publishers, I am delighted to congratulate The Hindu, its distinguished Editor and dedicated staff members for their outstanding leadership in the journalistic field over so many years.

"On this momentous occasion, I wish The Hindu every success in the extension and development of its valuable service."

The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting (Independent charge), Ravi Shankar Prasad, in his greetings, said:

"The Hindu completes 125 years of its glorious existence this year. I have not an iota of doubt that over three million readers of The Hindu are all very serious readers of news. My interest in The Hindu arose in my student career itself when I was involved in the `JP movement'. Even though I would get it late, I made it a point to read it for its independent editorial stand and a reliable and balanced presentation of news. I admire the fact that your esteemed newspaper has not been influenced by commercial considerations and has maintained traditional values of not only journalism but also of our country.

"My joys had known no bound when the newspaper was first printed in Delhi. The Hindu truly became national, giving the north Indian readers a feel that it cares for them. I wish that The Hindu newspaper continues to grow with its goodwill, glorious journalistic tradition and profoundly readable print line, stories and reports."

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