Working Journalists Association urges withdrawal of proposed media regulator Bill

Thursday, 11 June 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of the draft Bill seeking to establish a regulatory authority for media professionals, arguing that the proposed framework is aimed at controlling rather than protecting the media.

In a statement issued recently, the association said journalists and media stakeholders had long discussed the need for an independent institution to safeguard media freedom, professional standards, welfare, ethics and education. However, it said the Government’s proposal unveiled last week revealed what it described as “an agenda rooted in media suppression.”

The SLWJA said any regulatory body governing the media should function independently of political influence and be dedicated to protecting journalists’ rights and promoting professional standards.

The association raised concerns over several provisions in the draft legislation, including powers granted to the Minister of Media to appoint an interim council, authority to make regulations, and disciplinary powers allowing investigations into alleged professional misconduct and the suspension of journalists.

According to the SLWJA, the Bill’s broad definition of “media professionals” would bring writers, editors, announcers, publishers, owners, managers and cameramen under the authority’s jurisdiction.

The association warned that the proposed structure risked creating “a police to punish journalists” rather than an institution designed to enhance professionalism and accountability within the industry.

It also criticised provisions requiring ministerial approval for foreign assistance received by the authority and mandating the body to advise the Minister on matters relating to media education, arguing that such measures undermine institutional independence.

The SLWJA further contended that the proposed legislation was being introduced against a backdrop of growing concerns over freedom of expression, citing the use of laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Official Safety Act (OSA) against artists, writers and journalists.

Calling for unity among Sinhala, Tamil and English media organisations, the association urged the Government to abandon the current proposal and instead pursue an independent regulatory framework free from State interference.