Aug 13, Colombo: New Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says that the objective is to handle the media in a friendly manner without suppressing the media.

Keheliya Rambukwella assumed duties as the new Minister of Mass Media and Information at his ministry this morning (13). The event was attended by heads of media institutions, artists and journalists.

Inaugurating his tenure, the Minister said that he would build an independent and impartial media tradition in the country. He said the priority will be given to promote skilled journalists.

Hosting his first press briefing at the Media Ministry as the Media Minister, Rambukwella said he hopes to inspire and inculcate a healthy sense of competition between state media institutions to foster growth and improvement within the industry.

Responding to journalists, the Minister said the media has the right to provide correct information on the government’s development moves to the public. He added that the government’s shortcomings could be criticized at any time.

Minister Rambukwella said full powers have been entrusted to the state ministers to fulfill their task in their ministry subjects. He commended the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for defining State Ministries “precisely & specifically” so that they are fully empowered to carry out their assigned tasks, without ambiguity, while maximizing efficiency.

State Minister of Postal Services & Media Professionals Development S. Viyalendran said that a systematic program will be initiated for the welfare of the journalists.

Keheliya Rambukwella has previously served as the Minister of Mass Media. He played a significant role as the state media spokesman of the Mahinda Rajapaksa government during the Civil War.