Some of our readers, I’m sure, will be very interested in getting to know the progress of the present government and the future plans of the Ministers. With the endeavour of creating awareness in this regard, Life Online met up with some Ministers and asked them a few questions. 

Their answers will be carried in this weekly column.

This week, a chat with Gayantha Karunathilaka, Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media & Chief Government Whip

 

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As the Minister of Media, what are your observations regarding your area of work thus far? 

When I took over this Ministry in January last year, there was a black mark on media and it was in a very bad state.  Journalists faced attacks and death threats and some even had to leave the country. Some journalists disappeared, some were killed and some were abducted by white vans.  We have taken away all those fears and journalists can write fearlessly without any interference and threats. They are not told what to write and what not to. 

The President and Prime Minister have stated many times over that the media is misusing the freedom that has been secured for them? What is your view about it?

There has to be some form of regularisation and monitoring in everything including the Media. There has to be responsible reporting; not false reporting and attacking people for personal gains. We have to see that this type of thing is streamlined. Whatever we decide to do will be after a lot of discussions and collaboration with the media institutions, media organisations and media personnel. 

Do you maintain a good rapport with the media?

Media is not a new subject to me. I have been the Media spokesperson for over ten years so the officials in the Media are known to me and even up to date they are my friends. It is a good thing for them also as I’m known to them, so they can speak to me freely on any matter. 

What are your plans for the welfare of media personnel? 

We are looking into that matter. We are checking on the possibilities of getting some land in Colombo for the journalists living in and around the area. We have already received cabinet approval for this matter. We had identified some land belonging to the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in Homagama, but it is not sufficient as the previous government has haphazardly distributed portions of this land.

When we find an alternate land, our plan is to build about 1000 houses as the first phase. For a start, we have planned to give journalists in 25 provinces, a house each. I have already discussed these matters with the Minister of Housing.  We also want to give motorcycles for media personnel at concessionary prices.  

Are there training programmes to improve the quality and standard of reporting?  

We need to improve the standard of the media as there are a lot of shortcomings. We are planning to have a training academy of international standard for media personnel. It is being discussed and will be happening soon. 

What’s the policy for alcohol and cigarettes on print and electronic media? 

We have to be practical about this matter. Totally banning this will be a hindrance to our goal in developing the tourism industry. It has to be done with responsibility. I personally can’t endorse it and even the President is not for promoting alcohol and cigarettes, as the repercussions of the influence of these substances on our younger generation could be detrimental.    

Can you explain briefly, this very important bill - The Right to Information Act?

People have the right to access any information from any government institution regarding all government dealings, other than matters that will hinder the security of the country. This will be beneficial for the Media also as they can access the correct information for investigating and reporting, and not have to go by hearsay and report inaccurate statements.   

It was a great victory to have got the much awaited historic Right to Information Act passed in Parliament.  This is a matter that was discussed for many years.  Former Minister of Media Dharmasiri Senanayake, and Former President Chandrika Banadaranaike also tried to get it passed. Ranil Wickremasinghe in 2001 got it passed but thereafter the government was dissolved. Our RTI is rated as the seventh best bill in the world, and Second best in South East Asia next to India. 

What does it mean to be Chief Government Whip?

After the Prime Minister and the Leader of the House, this is the next most important position. My responsibilities include, replying to questions posed to any Minister or even the Prime Minister in their absence, and also any Ministry Announcements that have to be made and calling of group meetings for MPs etc. I have to be present in Parliament from the beginning to the end of all sessions. 

What are your other duties? 

When it comes to Parliamentary Reforms, my Ministry provides the necessary facilities for the wellbeing of Parliamentarians, and also I’m the Co- Cabinet spokesman with Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

With all these responsibilities, don’t the constituents of your electorate get neglected? 

I am totally committed to my constituents. I have always had a great desire to do whatever I can to help the people of my electorate. Now that I am a Minister and can get all the support of other Ministries, I am in a position to help my constituents. I spend every Saturday personally meeting and discussing problems of the hundreds of people of Elpitiya, Galle, Niyagama and Bentara who want to meet me.  

What are the development projects planned for the District of Galle? 

We want to start up a huge tourism project in Bentara as it will give job opportunities to the people in the district. In Elpitya there’s going to be a town development plan. Roads will be widened, bus stands, police stations, hospitals, bridges etc., will be improved. Basically, it will be a planned city with government offices in one area, banks will be in one area etc. 

With this kind of work load, how do you balance your family life? 

My wife is very supportive of my work, and understands my long hours of work. Politics is not new to her as her father had been working in a political secretariat. She always encourages me to give priority to my constituents and my work. She is a great strength to me. This kind of support from the family is essential for politicians as we don’t have a regular 8 hour work day.    

What made you get into politics?

I had a great desire to get into politics from a very young age. When I was around 22, President Premadasa came to our village for the opening of a University College, and I had to give the welcome speech. The then President liked my speech so much that in his speech he kept mentioning that he had found a capable young man in me to join him in his journey. He spoke to me after the event and asked me if I would like to be Chairman of Tea Small Holdings Development Authority as our family was involved in the tea industry. His encouraging words I would say, gave me the perfect opportunity I needed to pursue my passion in politics.    

How is it to be working with a President from one party and the Prime Minister from another? 

It is a pleasure working with this President. He is down to earth and has a good knowledge about the Ministers. He doesn’t take decisions on matters without asking the subject Ministers for their opinion. Our Prime Minister is an extremely knowledgeable person who we can learn so much from, even by talking to him for just a few minutes. I strongly believe that there’s a great future for our country with this national government, and the combination of this President and Prime Minister at the helm.  
 

 

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Did you know?
·    He was educated at Royal College Colombo and was in the debating team.
·    He is the nephew of Rupa Karunathilake, former Minister of Plantations.
·    Studied Political Science in London. 
·    Three generations of his family have been in the Tea industry. 
·    He has a nine year old daughter. 

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