PCoI summons ex-ITN chief

31 August 2015 09:38 pm

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) will today interrogate former ITN chairman Anura Siriwardena over a loss of Rs.115 million incurred by the state-owned television station for broadcasting ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa's advertisements, which were not paid for.

PCoI Secretary Lacille De Silva said the probe into the losses incurred by the TV channel had revealed that whilst the ITN was running ads for Mr. Rajapaksa without payment, the rates for commercials had been double quoted for his chief opponent Maithripala Sirisena.

The ITN had recently reimbursed a sum of Rs.89.9 million paid by President Maithripala Sirisena for his presidential campaign commercials, as the channel had failed to broadcast those for reasons best known to them.

Mr. De Silva said state sector institutes should give an equal opportunity and provide a level playing field for both government and opposition politicians in an election.

Former ITN Chairman Anura Siriwardena who was summoned to be questioned on this matter last morning at the PCoI office but it has been put off for today

The PCoI commenced investigations following a complaint received regarding a massive loss incurred to the ITN due to the non-payment of funds by the former President. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawan)