Oct 31, Colombo: Five media organizations, Sri Lanka Press Institute and private TV channels have decided to challenge the government gazette dated October 10, 2008 that introduces new regulations to control the media.

The new laws provide for a number of contingencies under which broadcasting licensees can be canceled, including seven different grounds related to broadcast content.

A popular broadcast channel has been put on notice that it is to submit transcripts of news broadcasts "to be carried" every week as of October 28th. The International Mission deplores any effort to impose prior restraint or direct censorship on the media.