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The Concept Paper on the Proposed Mechanism for the Development of the Media Industry Instead of the Sri Lanka Press Council

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A preliminary concept paper prepared for the establishment of a proposed Media Commission, intended to promote the development of the media sector instead of the Sri Lanka Press Council, was recently presented to the Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathna.

The concept paper was developed by a committee comprising ten resource persons, including senior media professionals, administrators, academics in communication and media studies, and legal experts. It was formally handed over at the Ministry Auditorium by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Council, Priyan R. Wijebandara.

Members of the drafting committee, Ministry officials, and several representatives of media organizations were also present at the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathna stated:

“For a considerable period, the public and civil society organizations have called for some form of regulation in the media sector. On various occasions, different stakeholders have highlighted the need for a commission free from political interference. Our policy statement also includes a commitment to establish an ‘Independent Media Commission.’

In the past, media organizations themselves have engaged in discussions and issued statements on how certain regulatory mechanisms could be maintained while safeguarding freedom of speech and expression. I also have previously been involved in media organizations and made interventions on this matter.

Now we have an opportunity to move forward. Therefore, I request all media professionals, organizations, civil society activists, academics, researchers, and the general public to come together to advance this initiative for the progress and development of the media industry.”

The committee that prepared the concept paper consisted of:

Priyan R. Wijebandara – Chairman, Sri Lanka Press Council

Jagath Liyanage Arachchi – Attorney-at-Law; Member, Right to Information Commission

Dr. Manoj Jinadasa – Head/Senior Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication Studies, University of Kelaniya

Asoka Dias – Senior Journalist/Visiting Lecturer

Mandana Ismail – Consultant Editor, The Sunday Morning; Member, National Media Policy Drafting Committee

Niroshan Thambawita – Press Commissioner, Sri Lanka Press Council

Niwanti Thilakarathne – Legal Officer, Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited

Hilmi Mohamed – Former Deputy Director, Government Information Department

Kanapathipillai Kumanan – Senior Photojournalist (later withdrew, citing difficulties in active participation)

Lasantha de Silva – Senior Journalist/Convener, Free Media Movement

Priyantha Wedamulla – Chairman, Independent Television Network

(It should be noted that Jagath Liyanage Arachchi, Mandana Ismail, and Niwanti Thilakarathne were not holding the above-mentioned positions at the time the concept paper was officially handed over.)

The celebration for the 40^th anniversary of Sri Lanka Press Council Code of Ethics was held on 14.10.2021 at the Auditorium of Department of Government Information, Via Zoom with the participation of Honourable Minister Dullas Alahapperuma. The secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media Jagath P. Wijeweera, Additional Director General of the Government Information Department Milinda Rajapaksa, Emeritus Professor Sunanda Mahendra, Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne and the Board of Directors of Sri Lanka Press Council attended for the occasion. The Guest speeches were delivered by Veteran Journalist Ariyananda Dombagahawatta and Attorney-at-Law K.W. Janaranjana. The website of Sri Lanka Press Council was launched with a new facet. A special commemorative cover and a stamp was issued celebrating the anniversary. The Chairman of Sri Lanka Press Council, Senior Lecturer Mahinda Pathirana and Press Commissioner Niroshana Thambawita also made their comments during the occasion.