Mass Media Ministry to launch yet another investigation against Derana

The Ministry of Parliamentary Reform and Mass Media Sunday announced that an investigation would be launched against TV Derana on the allegation of ‘maliciously’ initiating a media ‘mission’ against the Ministry while ‘misusing media freedom’.

In a statement, Nimal Bopage, the Secretary to the Ministry, stated he witnessed ‘a massive’ campaign against him, the Ministry and the Government via Derana’s TV, radio, websites and social media platforms, instead of conveying a response with respect of a letter that he sent requesting to make representation within seven days with regard to allegedly distorting and broadcasting a speech made by the President during an event at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on October 12.

The statement added the investigation would be launched ‘with immediate effect’ against the ‘illegal’ and ‘unethical’ behavior of Derana for violating the terms of the media license and disobeying the fact that a media organization is obliged to convey educational, knowledge and entertainment to its viewers while upholding ‘accuracy’ and precision.

TV Derana has also been notified last week by the Ministry of Parliamentary Reform and Mass Media to make representation with regard to allegedly distorting and broadcasting the speech made by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The statement further stated this was the ‘normal’ procedure that the Ministry acts against any media organization and it witnessed ‘an official’ response to such an event before but not ‘an illegal media pageant.’