Media needs structural changes: Deputy Minister Paranawithana

Introducing structural changes to the media sector is more important than criticising the prevailing process, according to Deputy Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Karunarathne Paranawithana.

Paranawithana on Tuesday said the Government has taken steps to make structural changes and uphold the free media tradition prevailing in the country, addressing the monthly lecture program of the Sri Lanka Press Council held at the Department of Government Information auditorium.

According to the Deputy Minister, a policy for the mass media has to be formed through the inclusive policy making system concerning the variety of ideologies of various parties. He also pointed out the practical issues encountered when a technical regulation system and a content regulation system for media are prepared. The Deputy Minister further said that an independent regulation system was required for the media and the Right to Information Bill would support it. The keynote lecture of the event was presented by Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa.

Secretary to the Ministry of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Nimal Bopage, Director General of the Department of Government Information Dr. Darshanai Gunathilake, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Council Koggala Wellala Bandula, and media personnel were present at the occasion.