Govt. to establish regulatory body for film, television industries 

• Aims to build strong sector contribution to economic development 
• Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena claims directives in past were mere plasters, but no progress
• Says new move will aid actors, producers, directors, distributors and all stakeholders in long-term 

The Government has decided to establish an independent regulatory body to provide the resources and direction required for the growth of the film and television industries.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday.

“The objective is to boost the film and television industries to a high economic contributing sector. We have great potential to be like the Indian cinema industry if these industries can be given proper attention and direction,” he said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

Despite successive Governments introducing directives to improve the local cinema industry, he claimed that there were mere plasters for the issues and did not make any significant difference or progress.

“The National Film Corporation could not do much for the development of the local cinema,” he added.

The State Film Corporation was established under the State Film Corporation Act No. 47 of 1971 to promote local cinematography and was renamed the National Film Corporation in 1980. 

“Film and television industry faced severe setbacks due to multiple challenges during the past few years, but the Government was also not in a position to extend any major support for the stakeholders,” he acknowledged.

Noting that the Government has recognised there is a need to establish an independent regulatory agency to revive the film and television industries, he said the move will certainly aid the actors, producers, directors, distributors and all stakeholders in the long run.

Gunawardena stated that it seems preferable to have an independent body to provide guidance and regulate the industry to take advantage of the technological developments of the television industry.