He was speaking at Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute in Colombo today (04) at the launch of a report for a media accountable to the public.

Prepared following nearly one year of research and as per media development benchmarks of UNESCO, it contains 100 points on how the media should change.

Speaking further on the occasion, the PM said it took 13 years to make these changes a reality, after he first tabled it in parliamenet in 2003.

The government will do its part to ensure media freedom, he promised.

He noted that all should admit the truth that the media in the south justified the killings not only of the Tamils, but also Prageeth Ekneligoda, while branding Ekneligoda as well as Sarath Fonseka as LTTErs.

He scotched rumours that the LTTE was regrouping, and said according to military intelligence, groupings were taking place for political reasons and to commit robberies.