SLBC's ad hoc procedures in violation with government contract

Colombo (News 1st) - The Speaker had summoned the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation to the Parliament today. UNP MP Ajith P Perera stated that SLBC is contractually bound to broadcast the proceedings of the Parliament but for several days they have not broadcasted the proceedings and therefore they have violated the contract. The Speaker noted that according to his opinion the Chairman of SLBC has been acting in an ad hoc manner without reason and that he will take action regarding this. UNP MP S.M. Marikkar stated that MP Mahinda Rajapaksa is holding meetings demanding an election and ITN which is a state channel aired one of his meetings during Primetime from 6.30 AM to 7.00 AM. He went on to note that this is a misuse of public funds and that there should be an inquiry on this matter to find out who authorized these actions. UNP MP John Amratunga adds that the Secretary to the Media Ministry should be summoned before the next Parliamentary session. He stated that there is no time to wait until this matter is taken up at the privileges committee. Thereby, the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Meda Sunil Hettiarachchi and Chairman of SLBC Dr. Somaratne Dissanayake was summoned before the speaker. The speakers' office stated that the speaker pointed out the importance of working independently and responsibly during this time of political turbulence. The Secretary to the Media Ministry has said attention will be drawn towards the points that have been mentioned and that the instructions will be issued to the state media institutions. Parliament was adjourned until 1 PM on the 12th of December.