Live telecast of UNP convention by SLRC, private TV station halted

Friday, 4 October 2019 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

EC officials act on complaints over live telecast
SLRC warned that inquiry will be held over State resources misuse
Private station also asked to stop live telecast midway through program
Strict guidelines issued by EC to State sector and media in lead-up to polls

The Election Commission yesterday stopped the State-run Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) and a private television station from airing a live telecast of the UNP’s annual convention, where its Presidential Election nominee Sajith Premadasa’s name was being ratified.

The live telecast was stopped abruptly after EC officials visited SLRC, following several complaints they received about the live telecast from the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The officials inquired as to why the live telecast of the proceedings of a political party were being aired, when strict guidelines had been issued regarding the misuse of State resources with an election pending.

Officials at SLRC had said the UNP had paid for the telecast, at which point they were asked to produce the receipts given for such a payment. As they were unable to show the relevant receipts, the EC issued a letter to the SLRC Director General, stating that an inquiry would be conducted into the misuse of State resources during election time.

SLRC officials handed over the receipt to the EC last evening, sources at the department said.

Meanwhile, the live telecast of the UNP convention by a private television station was also abruptly stopped by EC officials while it was airing.

The EC has issued guidelines both for the media as well as State sector officials to be followed in the lead-up to the 16 November Presidential Election.

UNP adopts resolution to continue constitutional reform