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CBK checks pro-JVP stance of state media
Four months after the takeover of the Mass Communications Ministry (together with Defence and Interior), the task of ensuring equity in programmes aired by State-run television appears to have fallen on President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

In a bid to ensure commensurate balance in the coverage to both the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the new partners in a joint alliance, she is personally keeping a tab on all programmes to be aired.

The Sunday Times learns that President Kumaratunga took this action after Rupavahini chairman Harim Peiris, who is also a presidential spokesman, complained to her that sections of the state media were going too far in being pro-JVP to the point of being racial.

Mr. Peiris also reportedly complained that an official at Rupavahini was leaking information to the JVP and the private media. At a meeting with state media chiefs, the President reportedly said the TV time given for Mr. Amarasinghe could instead be used to telecast speeches made at the first SLFP-JVP rally on Thursday, including that of opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse.

Subsequently, President Kumaratunga decided that Rupavahini Director General Nishantha Ranatunga should be relieved of responsibility for political programmes. President Kumaratunga has also issued a directive that from next week, state media bosses would have to submit a weekly report to Mr. Peiris who would monitor state media programmes.
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