Heads of media organisations have stated that not being able to obtain accurate information expeditiously from government institutions is a major obstacle in bringing accurate news to the people. 

They pointed out that even the “good” development programmes by the Government have failed to reach the people, especially because certain press secretaries have not done the coordination in a proper way.

They claimed thus while addressing the Sectoral Oversight Committee on An Open and Accountable Government held at Parliament recently,

Thus, the committee recommended that the Ministry of Mass Media Additional Secretary E.M.S.B. Jayasundara pays special attention to this matter and prepares a related programme.

Attention was also paid to the establishment of a training institute to produce professional journalists. It is learned that a Bill is currently being prepared in this regard. Furthermore, a committee is in operation to prepare a media policy and the heads of media organisations were invited to submit their ideas.

Also, in the problematic situation faced by the print media, matters were also discussed about the possibility of the Government providing some relief for materials such as ink and paper.

The heads of State media organisations also pointed out the difficulties of doing coverage-related work for free as the State’s electronic and print institutions are currently generating their own income without depending on the Treasury. They also pointed out that there is a misconception that free publicity can be obtained through State media but that they cannot continue to run these institutions by doing so. Thus, they also pointed out the need to intervene in this regard. 

The need for media ethics in reporting crime in the electronic and print media was emphasised.