Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that efforts are underway to establish the Chartered Institute of Media in Sri Lanka to enhance journalists’ knowledge, and skills and to add professional value to the media industry. The Minister revealed this during a recent discussion with officials and members of the Sri Lanka Press Council held at the Ministry of Mass Media in Narahenpita recently.
The Minister acknowledged that several previous Governments attempted to establish such an institution, but none of these efforts have succeeded so far. He emphasised that the ministry is committed to achieving this goal soon, enabling the nation to benefit from well-trained media professionals while upholding journalists’ dignity and independence.
Dr. Jayatissa noted that the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Media would provide professional value to those in the field and empower the country with ethical and skilled media practitioners. He also stated that safeguarding journalists’ freedom, independence and dignity, along with protecting citizens’ fundamental rights, will be a core focus of this initiative.
The discussion also covered the need to update the Press Council Act No. 5 of 1973 to align with modern communication trends. While a code of ethics for journalists exists, certain amendments are necessary to ensure its relevance in the present context.
The Minister instructed officials to launch comprehensive educational courses specifically targeting provincial journalists. He also emphasised the continuation of specialised workshops currently conducted for school students and those interested in communication studies under a well-structured framework. Mass Media Ministry Additional Secretary N. A. K. L. Wijenayake, Press Commissioner Niroshan Thambavita, and Sri Lanka Press Council Chairman Prof. Tudor Weerasinghe also attended the discussion.
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