Pay fair wages - Deputy Minister of Mass Media requests private media institutions

Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, stated in Parliament that numerous complaints have been received regarding violations of professional rights, including salaries, of journalists and professionals working in private media institutions. These complaints are predominantly based on issues such as the closure of some media institutions, journalists losing social security benefits like the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees' Trust Fund (ETF) due to being employed on a piece-rate basis, and the non-payment of proper wages for services rendered.

Despite these issues, the Deputy Minister pointed out that the Ministry of Mass Media has minimal ability to directly intervene in the employment and salary issues of employees in private media institutions, as these institutions operate as private companies under the Companies Act and are governed by labor laws. Therefore, she further clarified that aggrieved employees should pursue their rights through labor law.

However, as a mark of respect for the service rendered by journalists and considering the increasing number of complaints, the government has made a special intervention in this regard. Accordingly, a special letter dated January 07, 2026, has been sent to all private media institutions by the Director General of Government Information, Mr. H.S.K.J. Bandara. Through this letter, the government requests private media institution owners to ensure the professional security of all journalists working in their institutions, appreciate their service, and arrange for the proper payment of their salaries and allowances.