Mass Media Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathna informed Parliament that the Government has taken steps to introduce several welfare measures for journalists this year.
He made these remarks in response to questions raised by MP Dharmapriya Dissanayake during the oral question session in Parliament yesterday (17) regarding issues faced by journalists.
The Deputy Minister said the Ministry has received numerous complaints concerning private media institutions, including closures, non-payment of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) contributions, as well as salary arrears.
However, he noted that as private media institutions operate independently, the Media Ministry has limited authority to directly intervene in matters related to salaries and employment conditions. Such issues fall under the purview of the Labour Act and can be addressed through the Department of Labour.
He added that the Director General of the Department of Government Information (DGI) has issued a letter to all media institutions urging them to ensure proper remuneration for journalists. The Government has also requested that private sector media organisations provide fair and timely payments to their employees.
Dr. Ariyarathna further stated that, in line with the Government’s policy statement, steps are underway to establish a chartered institution for journalists. A draft bill for this purpose has been prepared and submitted to the Attorney General’s Department, and approval has been obtained. The bill is expected to be published in the Gazette shortly.
He said these measures respond to long-standing demands by journalists and aim to create a conducive environment for them to work with dignity and professional rights, including mechanisms to seek redress if wronged.
In addition, the Deputy Minister said that the scholarship programme previously offered to journalists will continue this year. Plans are also in place to introduce a health insurance scheme—particularly benefiting provincial journalists—alongside a broader social security programme, with implementation expected within the year.