The government has gazetted the draft bill to establish the Sri Lanka Chartered Professionals Media Institute. According to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the bill appears to be an attempt to professionalize the media sector while effectively bringing it under state control. He stated that the Minister will appoint an interim council to oversee the media, with the Ministry Secretary serving as an ex-officio member. He further alleged that the bill has been gazetted to suppress free media. Sri Lanka Latest News
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made these remarks while addressing Parliament today.
He further stated that although the bill does not explicitly make identity cards mandatory for journalists, it effectively allows the government to act as a gatekeeper in determining who can work as a journalist. He also noted that membership can be suspended on the basis of professional misconduct, which he described as another form of media suppression.
“This bill is a violation of democracy”
Premadasa said that through this bill, the authority to determine the qualifications of members related to important information regulation is being transferred to the Minister and the proposed Council. He emphasized that, in a democratic system, such powers should be clearly defined in primary legislation, but that this is not the case here. He further said the bill represents an attempt to introduce a repressive regulatory framework in the media sector instead of self-regulation.
“This is one form of state repression”
The Opposition Leader also said that the lack of clear safeguards regarding state-influenced accreditation, disciplinary powers over journalists, and eligibility to engage in the media profession amounts to a “mortal blow to democracy.”
National Rugby Team visa issue
Premadasa also highlighted that the national rugby team has been unable to obtain the necessary visas. He noted that although certain institutions are referred to as mobile or efficient service bodies, Sri Lanka’s rugby players still do not have visas ahead of the Asian Rugby Championship scheduled for the 13th. He added that even if visas are issued today, players would still face an eight-hour journey. He questioned how a government that is unable to facilitate such basic requirements can claim to eradicate poverty.
“How can poverty be eradicated through community strength?”
He further questioned the effectiveness of the “Community Strength” movement in addressing poverty, stating that effective poverty alleviation should involve savings, investment, production, and exports. He said there are doubts as to whether such elements are included in the programme.
Premadasa also stated that when macroeconomic variables in the country take a negative turn, microeconomic conditions also deteriorate, adding that he has repeatedly presented these facts.
Call to hold Provincial Council elections
He further said that micro, small, and medium-scale entrepreneurs, fishermen, and farmers are currently in a highly vulnerable position. Considering the prevailing situation, he claimed that the country is being governed by a dysfunctional administration and called for Provincial Council elections to be held as a “litmus test” to determine whether the government is moving in the right direction.
