Opposition parties to discuss Broadcasting Authority Bill on Monday (05)

COLOMBO (News 1st); The special sub-committee of the collective of opposition parties appointed to study the proposed Broadcasting Authority Bill is scheduled to meet on Monday (05) morning.

A spokesman said the committee will meet at 9.30am, chaired by the chairman of the committee, Prof. Charitha Herath.

MP Charitha Herath said he will inform leaders of the opposition including the Opposition Leader of his observations regarding the bill during the meeting.

The committee has made plans to discuss the proposed Broadcasting Authority Bill with heads of all media organizations in the country over the next few days.

The committee chaired by MP Prof. Charitha Herath also comprises of former Ministers of Mass Media, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, Gayantha Karunatilleka, Dr. Harsha de Silva and Eran Wickramaratne.

Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe recently said he will hold discussions with media representatives on the 7th of June, regarding the proposed Broadcasting Authority Bill.

The Justice Minister is the chairman of the Ministerial sub-committee appointed to formulate the relevant draft bill.

It is alleged that through the proposed bill, authority will be given to imprison journalists, impose fines on journalists and revoke electronic media licenses.