Justice Minister welcomes proposals from media on Broadcasting Authorities Bill

The Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe yesterday said proposals and suggestions from the media on the proposed Broadcasting Authorities Bill will be welcomed by the Government.

According to Rajapakshe, the Bill is yet to be finalised and it remains a mere set of proposals. “Therefore media organisations can submit their proposals on the legislation,” he said.

The Minister said a Ministerial Sub-Committee led by him has been set up to regulate and ensure licences to broadcasters are issued in a standardised manner. “This committee has merely formulated a set of proposals. They will be discussed, and a draft bill formulated later,” he said.

According to Wijeyadasa, the Ministry of Mass Media has set up a discussion on 7 June with media organisations on the matter. “There is no point in discussing this matter now as it is still in the proposals stage. The media are welcome to submit their suggestions and proposals as well,” he said.