swinger
Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, said in Parliament that quite a few complaints have been obtained concerning violations {of professional} rights, together with salaries, of journalists and professionals working in personal media establishments. These complaints are predominantly primarily based on points such because the closure of some media establishments, journalists dropping social safety advantages just like the Staff’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Staff’ Belief Fund (ETF) resulting from being employed on a piece-rate foundation, and the non-payment of correct wages for providers rendered.
Regardless of these points, the Deputy Minister identified that the Ministry of Mass Media has minimal skill to immediately intervene within the employment and wage problems with staff in personal media establishments, as these establishments function as personal firms beneath the Firms Act and are ruled by labor legal guidelines. Due to this fact, she additional clarified that aggrieved staff ought to pursue their rights by means of labor legislation.
Nevertheless, as a mark of respect for the service rendered by journalists and contemplating the growing variety of complaints, the federal government has made a particular intervention on this regard. Accordingly, a particular letter dated January 07, 2026, has been despatched to all personal media establishments by the Director Normal of Authorities Info, Mr. H.S.Okay.J. Bandara. By means of this letter, the federal government requests personal media establishment house owners to make sure the skilled safety of all journalists working of their establishments, respect their service, and organize for the correct fee of their salaries and allowances.