Withdraw the bill on the Broadcasting Regulatory Commission - Broadcaster's Guild

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Broadcaster's Guild of Sri Lanka has called on the government to immediately withdraw the proposed draft bill that will pave the way to establish a Broadcasting Regulatory Commission in Sri Lanka. 

The Broadcaster's Guild of Sri Lanka in a letter to Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Minister of Mass Media noted they unconditionally and irrevocably rejected the purported draft bill that government is insidiously attempting to bring in.

It notes that the draft bill has been haphazardly drafted without any consultation whatsoever and contains dangerous provisions that will have a significant impact on the entire media landscape of the country.

The Broadcaster's Guild of Sri Lanka notes that if the purported bill is implemented, it would undoubtedly restrict the media space and herald dark days for freedom of expression, thought, and conscience in the country.

The letter notes that the media regulatory commission, which would be appointed solely by the President, and under government control, enforces a harmful regulatory mechanism and approach on the country's independent media.

It added that the draft bill introduces ambiguity regarding the ongoing presence of locally established broadcasting organizations. 

The Broadcaster's Guild of Sri Lanka notes that the draft bill contravenes labour laws within the country and disregards the legitimate expectations of media institute owners concerning their licenses.

It added that the draft bill has several contradictions with the constitution of Sri Lanka, especially with fundamental rights, right to freedom of thought and conscience, right to equality, freedom of expression among others which are guaranteed by the constitution.

The Broadcaster's Guild of Sri Lanka notes that the draft bill generates a detrimental impact on the rule of law and the concept of the fourth pillar in a democratic country.

It added that the proposed bill poses a significant risk to the advancement of media organizations, and puts the entire media landscape of our country in jeopardy.

The Broadcaster's Guild of Sri Lanka informed the Minister that it is available for further dialogue and discussion on the matter. 

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