The government has identified the timely necessity of establishing media standards and entitlements for a high standard media culture. Accordingly, an open invitation was extended to media organizations, civil societies, trade unions, academic organizations, and public to voice their opinion, the Government Information Department said.

The time given to send in opinions and suggestions was to end on 31st December 2016, but, on the advice of Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media, and on the request of the Free Media Movement and other media organizations the deadline has been extended until 31st January 2017.

It is also expected to obtain opinions of the religious leaders, media organizations, trade unions, civil societies, and other target groups.

Those opinions received will be referred to an independent academic board where the final draft will be prepared. The same procedure which was used to draft the Right to Information Bill will be followed.

The government invites media organizations, owners and publishers associations, journalists’ unions and associations, civil society organizations and members of the public to express their views on this proposal to Director General , Department of Government Information (On behalf of the Secretary to Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Mass Media),No 163, Kirulapana Avenue, Colombo 05 before 31st January 2017. Email: ranga@dgi.gov.lk , Fax: 011 - 2 514 753.