Abstract:
Discourse constitutes power in constructing ideational, textual and interpersonal constructs which are ideological. It can transmit and even legitimize power in society. In the post-conflict development scenario, the editors of Sri Lankan national newspapers should develop constructive discourse on political and development to make a positive impact on legislative changes. The media professionals must do this to counteract negativity of contributing to economic activities and development through ethnic-based representations. This paper is based on Herman and Chomsky’s propaganda model (1988, 2002). Media Monitor (2006) reports that ‘eighty seven percent of Sri Lankan journalists believe that the Sri Lankan media is failing to provide accurate, balanced and fair information’. The study focuses on whether the media has been a part of the problem or a part of the solution to peace building and development. It studies the reported attitudes of the Sinhala, Tamil and international communities since newspaper and editorial discourses are the constructs of journalists and editors of the media, mainly biased ideological or ‘hidden or public opinions and often revealed in editorials’ (Van Dijk, 1995). This study uses Social Constructivist approach, mainly discourse analysis, which focuses on the shared meanings and on how they are produced on the themes of ethnic conflict, peace and development. It uses qualitative research methodology. The objective is to investigate the dominant structures and discursive frames found in editorials and their representations. The results of the analysis use the ideological and attitudinal positions found in editorials to explain the patterns and trends of the discursive constructions. The findings reveal that the editorial discourse constructs power by identity-based.
