EC gives stern warning to state media

• Expresses displeasure over bias coverage

By Kelum Bandara

The Elections Commission gave a strict warning to heads of state media institutions to adhere to the media guidelines in covering the presidential polls, an official said yesterday.   

The members of the Commission including its Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya met with the heads of the state media institutions and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission at the Information Department on Wednesday to discuss complaints regarding partial coverage.   

An official who wished to remain anonymous said the Commission warned them to follow the guidelines stipulated in view of the presidential elections or face stern legal action otherwise. He also said the Commission conveyed its displeasure regarding the biased coverage so far in the state media. “We warned them strictly. It is up to them to follow the guidelines we issued right at the beginning. Unless they follow it, they will face tough action,” he said. 

 
The presidential polls will be conducted on November 16.