Many political party leaders are members of Sri Lanka's jumbo Cabinet of Ministers

In a meeting held with the President, leaders of the ruling coalition raised concern that reports that are not in favour odf the government are given prominence by media groups.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has called the meeting in Temple Trees to discuss ruling party proposals to resolve national question.

'Development' in east

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) parliamentary group leader Athuraliye Rathana Thero said journalists are not focussing on "development work" carried our in the eastern districts.

There is an ongoing development programme than a war in the east. The leaders discussed the lack of media focus on development work Athuraliye Rathana thero

"There is an ongoing development programme than a war in the east. The leaders discussed the lack of media focus on development work," he told BBC Sandeshaya.

The Buddhist monk who attended the meeting added that many abductions in Vavuniya carried out by the Tamil Tigers are being described as work of the Karuna faction.

'Discredit' the government

Media continuously report accusations by the opposition but government's development work receives a lacklustre response, Rathan thero said.

The coalition leaders have agreed to focus more on anti-government media reports.

Rathana thero said party leaders were in the opinion that there was a systematic move to discredit the government by accusing it of abductions and taking ransoms carried out by organised gangs.

Asked whether the government is taking any steps to stop the "organised gangs", the theor said President Rajapaksa has ordered the police chief to take action.