Rupavahini under Defence Ministry

President Maithripala Sirisena took the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) under his purview last night, official sources confirmed. Accordingly, a gazette notification last night announced that the SLRC, which was previously under the Ministry of Mass Media, would come under the Defence Ministry, headed by the President.

The president's move comes after several issues related to the chairmanship and administration of the SLRC. Inoka Sathyangani was appointed as the SLRC Chairperson when Minister Mangala Samaraweera headed the media portfolio. However in June this year, Non-Cabinet Media Minister Ruwan Wijewardene appointed Sanjeewa Wijegunawardene as SLRC head, but he was unable to carry out his duties as Ms Sathyangani continued to carry out the chairperson's functions. Later, the Media Minister appointed Kelum Palitha to the post, but he too was unable to carry out his duties. (Yohan Perera)