False Health News Could Cost Channels Their License

COLOMBO (News 1st); Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has warned that television broadcasting licenses can be revoked if channels publish news detrimental to public health. 

Speaking in Colombo today, the Minister emphasized that this authority is embedded in the conditions under which temporary licenses are issued.

Acknowledging journalists who contribute to public health awareness, Dr. Jayatissa stated:
"We are now taking steps to enforce these license conditions. Recent reports on immunoglobulin have raised serious concerns. Immunoglobulin is one of the most critical medicines in our healthcare system—above many others. The process of importing immunoglobulin during that period was highly flawed and influenced, bypassing standard and emergency procurement procedures. That case is now before court."

He clarified that legal proceedings against individuals involved in procurement irregularities should not lead to misconceptions about the necessity of immunoglobulin:

"Just because someone misused the process doesn’t mean the drug is unnecessary. We have continued to import immunoglobulin. But when someone reports that the same drug is being imported again, implying wrongdoing, what is the purpose? Who benefits from such distorted reporting?"

Dr. Jayatissa stressed that all television channels operate under temporary licenses issued by the Ministry of Media, which include strict conditions:

"One condition clearly states: ‘The license will be revoked by the Media Minister if content is detrimental to public health.’ Similar clauses exist for national security and economic interests. Currently, we only request corrections when misinformation occurs, but moving forward, we will enforce these conditions. Without regulation, the country cannot progress."