The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I’m pleased to speak under the Head of Expenditure of a Ministry bearing heavy responsibilities—Health and Mass Media. I know how difficult it is to serve as Minister of Media and as Government Chief Organizer. As we debate this, with many speaking on Health—and as I’ve debated Health with you before, including Karapitiya—I will, as a former Media Minister, raise several media-related points.

¶ 02 Globally and locally, the media industry faces major challenges, especially to professional journalism. We expect the Government and the Minister to understand these and advance the industry. Many think the Ministry’s role is only to control state media and make appointments. But responsibilities extend beyond that: to foster a competitive business environment and robust public service media, which require strong economy and advertising market; reduce taxes on newsprint and ink; elevate professionalism through education and regulation.

¶ 03 As Media Minister for about 18 months, I initiated steps that subsequent ministers continued. We planned a professional media training institute on a chartered model. Since you also spoke positively on this, I request you to review and establish the Chartered media training institute soon.

¶ 04 We also need a National Media Policy and an independent regulatory framework. A draft National Media Policy already exists—please review and implement it. Under both my tenure and that of Mangala Samaraweera, we worked on laws to establish independent regulators, including an Independent Electronic Media Commission, safeguarding both institutional freedom and citizens’ freedom of expression and right to information. Please update and implement these.

¶ 05 We also explored transforming state media into independent public service broadcasters like BBC and NHK, providing balanced political and social coverage that citizens now demand. Please focus on this.

¶ 06 You spoke of digitization—global broadcasting is shifting from analog to digital with many benefits. Please expedite the digital switchover with vigor.

¶ 07 On Right to Information (RTI): we strove long for it; previous Rajapaksa governments opposed it. Within about 150 days as Minister, I brought RTI to Parliament; all 225 voted for it and we operationalized it. Sadly, the Commission now risks inactivation due to staffing and funding—only about 10 staff where 26 are required. RTI made governments transparent and curbed corruption. Please strengthen the Commission.

¶ 08 We opposed the Online Safety Act introduced by the previous government to control social media and intimidate activists; today, many in your Government also opposed it then. With a strong majority now, please revisit this, consult all stakeholders, and replace it if necessary through inclusive dialogue. Freedom of expression must be protected.

¶ 09 A 15% tax on online advertising introduced in this Budget hinders small creators and digital business freedom. The world is moving towards affordable, even free, internet to power the digital economy. Please reconsider this tax, as it burdens SMEs, youth, education institutions, and users paying high monthly broadband and mobile bills. Also, only about 45% of our population has internet access; many areas lack signal. Present a clear plan to expand access.

¶ 10 Finally, the public expects your Government to deliver justice for abducted and slain journalists—Prageeth Ekneligoda, Lasantha Wickrematunge, and others. During my tenure, media freedom expanded—leaders were openly criticized, and RTI was enacted. I also brought back cricket broadcast rights to National TV through my first Cabinet Paper. Please also continue national media awards and restore proper tendering at the Government Printer, ending arbitrary awards. I also reformed teledrama slot allocations via independent expert committees. Thank you.