Al Jazeera and Western media bias: SL undermined by misinformation

Special correspondent

In recent years, the role of international media in shaping global narratives has come under intense scrutiny, particularly when it comes to their coverage of developing nations. Sri Lanka, a country that has endured decades of conflict and a hard-fought battle against terrorism, has often been at the receiving end of biased and misleading reporting.

The recent interview of Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe by a pro-LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) Western channel is yet another example of how certain media outlets continue to perpetuate a distorted narrative about the country. Among these outlets, Al Jazeera has played a particularly controversial role, often aligning itself with Western agendas and pro-LTTE groups to undermine Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and stability.

The pro-LTTE agenda in western media

The LTTE, a designated terrorist organization responsible for decades of violence in Sri Lanka, has long enjoyed sympathy and support from certain segments of the international community. Despite their brutal tactics, including the use of child soldiers and suicide bombings, the LTTE has been romanticized by some Western media outlets as “freedom fighters.” This skewed portrayal has not only whitewashed their crimes but also fueled a biased narrative that paints the Sri Lankan government as the sole aggressor in the conflict.

The recent interview of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe by a channel with clear pro-LTTE leanings is a case in point. Instead of focusing on Sri Lanka’s efforts to rebuild and reconcile after a devastating civil war, the interview attempted to revive divisive narratives and cast doubt on the country’s progress. Such biased reporting not only undermines Sri Lanka’s reputation but also risks reigniting tensions in a nation still healing from the scars of war.

Al Jazeera’s role in spreading misinformation

Al Jazeera, a media network that claims to provide balanced and impartial coverage, has repeatedly failed to live up to its stated principles when it comes to Sri Lanka. Over the years, the network has published numerous reports that are either factually inaccurate or deliberately misleading, often echoing the propaganda of pro-LTTE groups. These reports have consistently ignored the atrocities committed by the LTTE while exaggerating allegations against the Sri Lankan government.

One of the most egregious examples of Al Jazeera’s bias was its coverage of the final stages of the civil war in 2009. The network relied heavily on unverified sources and LTTE sympathizers to paint a one-sided picture of the conflict. By doing so, Al Jazeera not only misled its global audience but also contributed to the international pressure on Sri Lanka, which was already grappling with the immense challenge of defeating a ruthless terrorist organization.

Moreover, Al Jazeera’s partnership with Western groups and NGOs that have a history of anti-Sri Lanka activism further exposes its agenda. These groups, often funded by Western governments, have used Al Jazeera as a platform to push their narratives, which are aimed at destabilizing Sri Lanka and tarnishing its image on the global stage.

The impact of biased reporting on Sri Lanka

The consequences of such biased reporting are far-reaching. By perpetuating falsehoods and half-truths, outlets like Al Jazeera and pro-LTTE channels have contributed to the erosion of Sri Lanka’s credibility in the international community. This has had a direct impact on the country’s ability to attract foreign investment, tourism, and diplomatic support.

Furthermore, the constant vilification of Sri Lanka in the international media has emboldened separatist elements within the diaspora, who continue to lobby for the division of the country. This not only undermines Sri Lanka’s sovereignty but also threatens the hard-won peace and stability that the country has achieved since the end of the civil war.

A call for fair and balanced journalism

It is high time that international media outlets like Al Jazeera are held accountable for their biased reporting. Journalism, at its core, is about seeking the truth and presenting it in a fair and balanced manner. When media organizations abandon these principles in favor of sensationalism and agenda-driven narratives, they do a disservice not only to their audiences but also to the countries they report on.

Sri Lanka, like any other nation, is not without its flaws. However, it deserves to be judged on its own merits and not through the lens of biased media outlets with ulterior motives. The international community must recognize the dangers of such misinformation and demand greater accountability from those who wield the power of the press.

In conclusion, the recent interview of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe by a pro-LTTE channel and Al Jazeera’s history of biased reporting are stark reminders of the need for vigilance against media bias. Sri Lanka’s story is one of resilience, reconciliation, and progress, and it is a story that deserves to be told truthfully and fairly. Anything less is a betrayal of the principles of journalism and a disservice to the people of Sri Lanka.