The new Minister of Mass Media and Information Dr. Bandula Gunawardana assumed duties at the Ministry of Mass Media and Information on May 23. Dr. Gunawardana had held the same portfolio previously. He has also been appointed as the Minister of Transport and Highways in addition to the post of Minister of Mass Media and Information. Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information Anusha Pelpita and other Ministry officials were also present.
Minister of Mass Media and Information Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said a drastic change has to be made in the media sphere to create a new media culture.
The Minister said the conduct of the media contributed directly or indirectly to increase the recent arson attacks and riot.
Therefore, if we don’t change this situation, it would be difficult to prevent the country heading towards a serious situation.
Minister Gunawardana said it is the responsibility of all media personnel and media institutions to ensure the people’s right to obtain correct information in a true and accurate manner. He said during the recent past, even the State media institutions have also not properly fulfilled this responsibility.
He said he would take a final decision regarding the State media heads tomorrow or Tuesday following a discussion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Dr. Gunawardana said amidst the economic crisis emerging in the country, we cannot ask for funds from the Treasury to maintain State media institutions. Under this circumstance, all State media institutions should be turned into profit making levels. Therefore, a methodology will be introduced soon to vest responsibilities to the heads of all State media institutions. It is also the responsibility of the State media heads to implement a mechanism to turn their media institutions into profit earning levels. “If any State media head fails to achieve these targets, he will be removed from his position,“ he said.