Rationale

The role of the FMETU in Media Freedom in Sri Lanka: why it was started?

There are four print media institutions, five television networks and a number of radio broadcasting institutions, which are well established in Sri Lanka. They could be further categorized into two groups such as State-owned and privately-owned. The State enjoys the privilege of having the control of large media institutions in Sri Lanka viz. The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (Lake House), with two television institutions - The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) and the Independent Television Network (ITN) and the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). The Ministry for Media and Information is the official body that governs matters relating to the media.

While there are many media organizations that work for the upliftment of journalists, the Federation of Media Employees Trade Union (FMETU) is the largest and strong non-partisan and most active organization of journalists that lobby on behalf of press freedom in Sri Lanka while protecting the rights of the working class.

Six trade unions, which operate in State-owned Lake House, SLRC, ITN and SLBC together with have grouped together to form this federation. There are nearly 2200 members of this federation who are directly involved in journalism which includes journalists, technical staff, program producers and media workers. Despite the many political and financial constraints faced by the Federation, the Federation is doing its very best to assist and equip their members with necessary educational programmes and workshops at different levels to meet the many challenges of today.