Media standards and entitlements: Deadline extended to 31 January

The Government has identified the timely necessity of establishing media standards and entitlements for a high standard media culture.

Accordingly, an open invitation was extended to media organisations, civil society, trade unions, academic organisations, and the public to voice their opinion.

The time given to send in opinions and suggestions was to end on 31 December 2016, but, on the advice of Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media, and on the request of the Free Media Movement and other media organizations, the deadline has been extended until 31 January 2017.

It is also expected to obtain the opinions of religious leaders, media organisations, trade unions, civil societies, and other target groups.

Those opinions received will be referred to an independent academic board where the final draft will be prepared. The same procedure which was used to draft the Right to Information Bill will be followed.

The Government invites media organisations, owners and publishers associations, journalists’ unions and associations, civil society organisations and members of the public to express their views on this proposal to Director General, Department of Government Information (on behalf of the Secretary to Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Mass Media),No. 163, Kirulapana Avenue, Colombo 5 before 31 January 2017. 

Email: [email protected]  or fax: 011 251 4753.