Journalists Association Urges Withdrawal of Proposed Media Regulator Bill

The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of a new draft Bill aimed at establishing a media regulatory authority, warning it seeks to control rather than protect the profession. • Key Concerns: The SLWJA states the government's proposal reveals "an agenda rooted in media suppression," risking the creation of a "police to punish journalists" rather than an institution for professional advancement. • Contentious Provisions: The association strongly objects to powers granted to the Minister of Media, which include appointing an interim council, making regulations, and executing disciplinary powers to investigate and suspend journalists. • Broad Jurisdiction: The Bill's wide definition of "media professionals" brings writers, editors, announcers, publishers, owners, managers, and cameramen under the proposed authority's control. • Threat to Independence: Critics highlight that requiring ministerial approval for foreign assistance and mandating the body to advise the Minister on media education severely undermines institutional independence. • Broader Context: The legislation is being introduced amid rising concerns over freedom of expression in Sri Lanka, with the SLWJA pointing to the active use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Official Safety Act (OSA) against artists, writers, and journalists. The SLWJA has urged the government to abandon the current proposal and called for unity among Sinhala, Tamil, and English media organizations to pursue an independent regulatory framework entirely free from State interference.