Minister Flags Alleged Broadcast Licence Violations

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister K.D. Lalkantha has lodged a complaint with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, alleging that a television channel has been continuously operating in violation of its frequency licence conditions.

The minister has also forwarded a similar complaint to the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media.

In his complaint, Minister Lalkantha stated that the television channel had broadcast a news report by distorting and misinterpreting information based on his assets and liabilities declaration submitted to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act.

According to the minister, the news report was carried out without seeking clarification from him at any stage. 

He further noted that even after he had informed the channel of his intention to take legal action over reputational damage, the channel continued to air distorted and incorrect reports repeatedly.

The minister has alleged that the television channel has seriously violated not only the licence issued by the Ministry of Mass Media, but also the broadcast frequency licence conditions issued by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

In his communication, Minister K.D. Lalkantha has requested the commission to