Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, on two vital ministries close to the people, first Mass Media. Sri Lanka’s media freedom remains unsatisfactory. In Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Sri Lanka ranks 139/189. A key reason is state media operating as a government propaganda arm. Many laws affecting media curtail rather than protect freedom; the Sri Lanka Journal of International Law recently affirmed this.

¶ 02 In 2024, the Online Safety Act was passed, drawing allegations of severely restricting internet and social media freedoms, with documented instances of curbing expression. Though the Government promised repeal, we hear nothing now.

¶ 03 According to DataReportal 2024, 56% of our population uses the internet; 35% use social media; 98% rely on social media for news. Disturbingly, LIRNEasia found two-thirds of Sinhala-language social media users are misled by misinformation—undermining democratic decision-making. I urge an immediate nationwide media literacy program, especially for youth and children.

¶ 04 Citizens need accurate, impartial information. This is the role of independent public service media. Free the state TV and radio from government control and convert them into independent public service entities. Also expand technical access so all provinces can connect to the internet.

¶ 05 Mobile data costs are too high, burdening students and SMEs who rely on online platforms. Consider initiatives for affordable or free access for education and small business use.

¶ 06 Our media industry depends on advertising, but international platforms (Google, Meta, TikTok) are siphoning more than 50% of Asia’s ad budgets this year, draining revenue abroad. This is a global trend, but we must seek local solutions, as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines are attempting—through engagement to secure fair compensation and rights shares for local media. Protect the industry to protect journalists.

¶ 07 AI is entering newsrooms. We must act ethically and legally to harness benefits and guard against harms in AI-assisted news production.

¶ 08 On the Right to Information Act: in 2016, as Media Minister, I helped pass and implement a globally ranked RTI law. Today, I am dismayed: the RTI Commission is being weakened—insufficient staffing (only a fraction of the 35 required), lack of legal and investigation officers, and funding routed via the Media Ministry rather than the special budget line envisaged in law. A truly independent commission cannot be maintained from a ministry vote—this violates the spirit of the Act. Restore proper funding and staffing immediately. Do not mock the Commission by deflecting treaty transparency requests to RTI while knowing national security exemptions will block disclosure; instead, proactively table agreements of public interest.

¶ 09 On the Government’s new media policy: what tangible benefit has it delivered to the industry or public? The Government must transparently justify the expenditure.

¶ 10 On health: nationwide we face medicine shortages, equipment deficits, and human resource gaps among specialists, doctors, nurses, and allied cadres. Cardiac patients wait long for surgeries; cancer patients lack medicines; equipment failures are widespread. In Karapitiya, I was told a basic scan might require a 7–8 month wait. Even basic dressings, plasters, and glucose test strips are short in many hospitals.

¶ 11 In Galle District—Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, and hospitals at Balapitiya, Elpitiya, Bentota, Induruwa-Gonagala, Ambalangoda-Polwatta, Batapola, Karandeniya-Borakanda, Uragasmanhandiya, Baddegama, Arachchikanda, Imaduwa, Giniduma, Udugama, Neluwa, and many rural hospitals at Niyagama, Nagoda, etc.—common shortages persist. We seek urgent remedies.

¶ 12 Major hospitals like National Hospital Colombo, Colombo South Teaching, and Karapitiya are under Acting Directors. Please appoint substantive Directors swiftly to ensure leadership and accountability.

¶ 13 Thank you.