The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the answer is as follows:

¶ 02 (a) (i) 23. (ii) Government television channels – 5; Private television channels – 18. (iii) Yes. Given in the Annex.

¶ 03 Annex: Government and Private TV Channels

¶ 04 Government channels (5): - Sri Lanka Rupavahini / Eye / Nethra (3) - ITN TV / Vasantham TV (2)

¶ 05 Private channels (18): - Sirasa TV / Shakthi TV (2) - TNL TV (1) - Swarnavahini TV / ETV (2) - ART TV (1) - TV Lanka (1) - Derana TV (1) - Athavan TV (1) - Siyatha TV / Star Tamil TV (2) - Buddhist TV (1) - Hiru TV (1) - Monara TV (1) - Rangiri Sri Lanka TV (1) - Shraddha TV (1) - Supreme TV (1)

¶ 06 Total channels: 23.

¶ 07 (b) (i) Yes. (ii) The Government has focused on formulating a code of ethics for the media. Our Ministry has commenced drafting a code of ethics compendium for media practitioners. However, state and private media institutions have also developed their own ethical frameworks applicable to their institutions. (iii) Private television media institutions operate under licences issued in terms of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Act, No. 6 of 1982. In accordance with the conditions of those licences, the Ministry acts with regard to the content of programmes broadcast. Further, under the provisions of the Finance Act, No. 11 of 2006, Orders have been issued regarding levies on teledramas, films and commercial programmes, under which the Ministry acts in relation to the content of imported teledramas, films and commercial programmes. (iv) The Government has focused on initiating a programme to improve the quality of programmes broadcast on both state and private television channels. Hon. Member, a group of our Members also discussed this in Parliament. This is a societal concern, and therefore we expect to act accordingly. (v) As stated in (iv) above.

¶ 08 (c) Not applicable.