SL telecom law change will undermine media freedom opposition warns
COLOMBO – A proposed change to Sri Lanka’s Telecom Regulatory Act will give powers to the commission to cancel the licence of electronic media, undermining media freedom, the opposition has warned.
“These changes to the Act contain several proposals that are detrimental to media freedom. One is that you have to pay a fine to get your licence back. Also, the commission can interpret and decide what is not in the public’s interest,” Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament.
Premadasa said the opposition was against this and would take legal action to challenge it.
“This will create a dangerous situation, where power will be concentrated among a few people who will be able to decide on the granting of the media licence,” SJB MP S. M. Marikkar said.
“I know sometimes there is extortion to get the media licence. When you grant greater power, there would be an increase in the opportunity for extortion.”
Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayantha said he will inquire into the claim with Sri Lanka’s Telecom Regulatory Commission.
-economynext.com
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