A discussion between a group of representatives from the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union and Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Mass Media, was held at the Ministry of Health Auditorium on the 11th. The discussion was held in response to a request made by the Media Workers’ Trade Union Federation.
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Formulation of a National Media Policy
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Establishment of a National Training Institute for the Training of Journalists
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Converted State Media Institutions into ‘Public Service Media Institutions’
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Abolition of the Press Council and establishment of an appropriate mechanism
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Professional issues of journalists, especially salaries of regional journalists, membership of the Employees Provident Fund, membership of the Employees Trust Fund, media identity cards and other specific professional issues
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Security issues faced by journalists in the North-East while doing journalism
- Updating the insurance coverage of journalists
Many other issues related to the media industry and the profession of journalists were discussed. The Minister proposed collaborating to address issues raised by media organizations and other stakeholders related to the media industry, May this year.
Representing the Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Union, General Secretary Dharmasiri Lankapeli, Deputy Secretary Indira Nawagamuwa, National Organizer Tharindu Uduwaragedara, Northern Province Coordinator Thunnalai Selva, Southern Province Coordinator Anuradha Priyadarshana, and Sabaragamuwa Province Coordinator Rohana Dissanayake participated in this very lengthy discussion.
Ms. Indira Nawagamuwa presented the research report titled “Recommendations for a National Media Policy in 2024,” compiled by the Media Workers’ Trade Unions Federation, to the Minister.