November 15, 2025
The annual reports of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and the Independent Television Network reviewed at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment
The annual report of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation for the year 2022 and the annual report of the Independent Television Network for the year 2023 were reviewed at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment.
This took place at the meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment, chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe, held in Parliament on 13.11.2025.
The annual report of the Independent Television Network for the year 2023 was first taken up for consideration by the Committee. The officials of the Network briefed the Committee their current financial situation and other related issues. According to the 2023 annual report, the Independent Television Network has recorded a loss exceeding Rs. 164 million during the said year. However, the officials stated that steps are being taken to gradually reduce the amount of losses and bring the Independent Television Network back to normal financial stability.
The officials also informed the Committee that the collection of arrears due to the institution over the past several years is currently at a satisfactory level. There was also lengthy discussion regarding the high cost incurred to purchase Indian teledrama series broadcast on the Independent Television Service and the outstanding payments still to be made for those teledramas. Furthermore, discussion was held regarding the importance of expanding broadcasting services to the Northern and Eastern provinces. Expressing his views, the Chair of the Committee instructed the officials to take necessary steps to identify the issues faced by the Independent Television Network precisely and inform the Committee within three months on how they intend to resolve them.
Thereafter, the annual report of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation for the year 2022 was reviewed by the Committee. The officials of the institution briefed the Committee on the current financial situation and operational matters of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. They pointed out that 48% of the payments currently due are tax payments that must be paid along with penalties. The officials further pointed out that the technical equipment currently used by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation is very outdated and that certain electrical equipment is being operated by employees at considerable risk to their lives. They also stated that the land on which the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation operates still does not belong to the Corporation, and highlighted the importance of securing land ownership for the Corporation for future development activities.
Expressing his views, the Chair of the Committee emphasized the importance of strategic planning to uplift both institutions and stated that the matters presented will be forwarded to the relevant sectors.
Hon. Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer, and Hon. Members of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan, (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna, Samanmalee Gunasinghe, (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara, (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah, Jagath Manuwarna, and Ruwan Mapalagama, along with officials, participated in this Committee meeting.
