Leader of the House Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday (26) told Parliament that the media should not be given unlimited freedom.

"There is media freedom in this country and we have experienced many occasions of its misuse by some journalists.

There are complaints from the opposition and some sections of the general public as well that they too should be given an opportunity to tell their side of the story.

Whenever a journalist misuses his or her freedom there is always an aggrieved party. There should be a place for these affected parties to express their grievence", he said.

There are press council laws in many other countries in the world, he said. The people and Parliament must have a right to complain against media personnel who abuse the freedom granted to them. Not only the government and opposition but also all other sectors have been victims of false and Malicious reports published by some journalists taking cover behind media freedom, he said.

"I do not say that media should be suppressed. The government is against the suppression of media. But some regulations most be put in place to control those who abuse the right of expression. These regulations are applicable to both State and private media."

"Not only the government but also the opposition and the general public as well will have the protection of whatever law that would be institutionalized," Minister de Silva said.