CSN broadcasting license cancelled

The broadcasting license of the Carlton Sports Network (CSN), which has strong links to the family of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been cancelled as the channel failed to adhere to regulations, the Government Information Department said yesterday. 

CSN was plunged in controversy when the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) commenced investigations into the ownership of the business entity and how CSN had secured all broadcasting rights for international sporting events. 

Following the FCID investigations, the Government confiscated an account held in a commercial bank allegedly belonging to the channel and transferred the money from the account to a Treasury account. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second son Yoshitha Rajapaksa and four other suspects were earlier arrested and later remanded over alleged financial irregularities at the Carlton Sports Network. They were later released on bail.