The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, this is a special opportunity to speak about the Sri Lankan media sector during the Committee Stage Debate of the second Appropriation presented by our National People’s Power Government, under the Ministry of Health and Media.

¶ 02 I wish to present a few concise, critical views on the media. While the debate focuses on health—currently one of the most urgent “fires” we are trying to put out—I believe media too is entangled in those flames. I note with some satisfaction that only the Chief Organizer of the Opposition has, so far, raised points on media from the Opposition side; nevertheless, I welcome the chance to speak for a few minutes on our media landscape.

¶ 03 We have heard it said, “Of all affairs, communication is the most wonderful,” a statement by the renowned philosopher and educator John Dewey. It reminds us how essential communication is to the world and how profoundly it influences society’s path.

¶ 04 Media emerges from the need for communication—it provides the infrastructure for it. But media is distinct: it is a set of mechanisms capable of addressing large audiences, sometimes interlinking entire societies into a network-like process. This warrants serious and deep attention.

¶ 05 Regrettably, we are now witnessing a disheartening situation. For instance, last Saturday I visited one of the foremost media institutions in our country—Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). I expected to enter a place that has guided our people and nourished humanity. But walking its corridors, I felt as if I were witnessing the remnants of a fallen culture. Despite the pride we take in its 76-year history, what we see today may be the cumulative result of changes over the past decades—something we must acknowledge to move forward.

¶ 06 In the 1960s and 1970s, SLBC contributed immensely to the nation’s development and to cultivating love and humanity—programmes like “Handa Mama” and the “Children’s Page” shaped our lives. We must ask what has become of such an institution. The Opposition Chief Organizer said we should lament these circumstances; I agree. We must also accept that little was done over recent times to reverse this.

¶ 07 According to information presented, Sri Lanka’s position in the global media index has slipped—beyond the 139th place. Whatever the reasons, let us use this as an opportunity to redirect and rebuild.

¶ 08 The Opposition Leader stated poverty is now around 25 percent. True. These are the results of conditions prevailing on this earth in recent years. If we engage prudently and purposefully, we can change the country’s trajectory.

¶ 09 At present, we are discussing several institutions under the Ministry of Media—SLBC, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), Government Printing Department and the State Printing Corporation, Independent Television Network (ITN), Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House), and others. The challenges I described are visible in many of them. We have been in office for eight months. In such a short time, we cannot instantly restore or elevate them; time and space are necessary. Accordingly, in this Budget, we have allocated funds to develop capacities, strengthen competencies, improve media literacy and education.

¶ 10 We are planning clear programmes through the Department of Government Information, SLBC, SLRC, ITN, Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, and the Sri Lanka Press Council. This includes foreign scholarships, improving media education, and support for training, research, scholarly publications, advancing media literacy and awareness—allocating around Rs. 100 million through the Budget to certain institutions.

¶ 11 It is unfortunate to discuss a media environment devoid of ethics. For a country to move forward, a clear, truthful, impartial—or at least balanced—media culture is necessary. As a democratic Government, we will not impose undue limits on the media. Freedom is responsibility; that is why many fear it. As Harold Laski said, your freedom ends where my nose begins: use your freedom without infringing on others.

¶ 12 However, some media, by amplifying minor sparks into wildfires, create a false environment. Our Media Minister recently clarified such misreporting. We must be vigilant and balanced.

¶ 13 Within this Budget, we have commenced a project to digitize television broadcasting, with funds allocated. We are allocating for modernizing the State Printing Corporation’s processes. A National Media Policy, aligned with Government priorities, is being prepared—strengthening what our Government Chief Organizer mentioned. We are also introducing a code of media ethics. Through these measures, we can foster a positive media culture that supports a prosperous nation and a dignified life. I conclude my brief remarks.

¶ 14 Thank you for the time, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.