Executive Summary
The National People’s Power (NPP) coalition came to power in 2024, promising to reform Sri Lanka’s media landscape and strengthen press freedom. However, one year later, the government’s actions indicate continued political control over state media, a lack of transparency in government advertising practices, and the persistence of restrictive laws.
While the NPP’s manifesto emphasizes media freedom and access to accurate information, it overlooks the media’s crucial role as a democratic watchdog. Despite its pledges, state-owned media remain under political influence, and the proposed National Media Policy—set to launch in mid-2025—has raised concerns due to its emphasis on increased state oversight with minimal consultation from media stakeholders.
Repressive laws such as the Online Safety Act (OSA) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) remain in effect, undermining press freedom. Although the government has appointed a committee to draft an Anti-Terrorism Act to replace the PTA and another to amend the OSA, meaningful reform has yet to be seen.
There is a growing shift toward a media culture that is state-controlled, closely monitored, and ideologically guided. The NPP, along with its core group, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), leans heavily toward state-centric policies.
Instead of exerting control over the media and curbing citizens’ freedom of expression, the government should prioritize media independence, end political appointments, implement transparent advertising practices, repeal repressive laws, and establish a self-regulatory media commission. These steps are essential to fostering a democratic and pluralistic media environment in Sri Lanka.
Although the NPP rose to power on a platform of reform, its media policies and actions have so far fallen short of expectations. Without a genuine commitment to press freedom and meaningful engagement with media stakeholders, the risk of continued state control remains high. Lasting reform must prioritize independence, accountability, and democratic principles to protect the citizens’ right to a free and open press.
Read the Full report as a PDF:SL Briefing Note 35 – Sri Lanka Drifts Towards State Centic Media Culture