SJB concerned about moves to amend Press Council Act 

SJB Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunatilleka and former Provincial Councillor Priyantha Pathberiya addressing the media

By Asiri Fernando

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday expressed concerns about the Government’s attempts to amend the Press Council Law Act of 1973, calling the move a prelude to media suppression. 

The SJB will oppose the Government on amending the current laws that regulate the print media, Parliamentarian and former Minister of Media Gayantha Karunatilleka said at a press conference yesterday. He was joined at the press conference by SJB member Priyantha Pathberyia. 

Karunatilleka argued that what was needed was better self-regulation and professional training for journalist and media personnel. However, Karunatilleka acknowledged that the regulations, which were introduced in 1973 are outdated and pointed out that there are issues in the print and broadcast media in relation to how news was reported and influence of Government and private media ownership on ethical reporting. 

“The Press Council Act is over 50 years old and is outdated. For over 20 years, media organisations have been asking the Act to be repealed. We have consistently maintained that the Press Council Act needs to be repealed and a new law introduced. The Government is trying to expand the existing act to regulate broadcast media, electronic media and new media outlets. We don’t approve of this. 

“There are issues with media today. Some relate to the training that journalists receive and about the influence on journalists and the press by media outlet owners and the Government, but the solution is not amending laws to suppress the press” Karunatilleka opined. 

The former Minister of Media said that the Government should instead encourage media outlets to formulate and adhere to a form of self-regulation and improve professional standards.