A preliminary concept paper for the establishment of a proposed
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.)
