Mass Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced in Parliament yesterday (July 8) that the National Media Policy will be officially launched and come into effect within the next three months.
The Minister emphasised that the policy is being formulated collaboratively with key media stakeholders, with the Government playing only a facilitator’s role. The aim is to reach a broad consensus between the media industry and the Government to ensure a balanced and transparent framework for media operations in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Jayatissa clarified that the Government has no intention of imposing restrictions on the media. Instead, the objective is to allow media institutions to operate freely and ethically in accordance with the existing common media laws. He also noted that any institution failing to comply with these laws will be dealt with under the prevailing legal framework.
In response to a question raised by NPP MP Prof. Sena Nanayakkara, the Minister revealed that Sri Lanka currently has 23 television channels, including five state-run and 18 privately-owned channels.
He further disclosed that the Ministry is drafting a code of ethics for journalists as part of the broader initiative to encourage responsible and ethical journalism. The new policy will also focus on improving the quality of programmingacross both state and private TV channels. An action plan is being developed to support this goal, aimed at ensuring better content standards for the benefit of the public.
Dr. Jayatissa expressed hope that all media outlets would adhere to high ethical standards while operating in Sri Lanka’s competitive media environment, and contribute positively to public discourse.
