False Health News Could Lead to License Revocation, Warns Sri lankan Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
By Lions Roar News Desk | December 30, 2025
COLOMBO — Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, has issued a stern warning to television broadcasters, stating that the government has the authority to revoke broadcasting licenses if channels violate conditions by spreading misinformation, particularly regarding public health.
Speaking at the “Saukya Andahariya 2025” awards ceremony held at the Health Promotion Bureau on Monday (Dec 29), the Minister emphasized that all television licenses in Sri Lanka are issued on a temporary basis and are subject to strict conditions.
“This is Not a Game”
Addressing the media community, Dr. Jayatissa highlighted the responsibility that comes with using public airwaves and frequencies. “This is not a game. You are working with the trust of the people and the nation’s frequencies. Reporting cannot be done haphazardly; we are not in an era where news is delivered like a traveling folk play,” he remarked.
The Three Pillars of License Conditions
The Minister clarified that while the government respects media freedom, it will not hesitate to enforce license conditions if national interests are at stake. The power to recall a license is tied to three critical areas:
- Public Health: Disseminating news that is detrimental to the health and well-being of the citizens.
- National Security: Content that threatens the safety of the state.
- National Economy: Reporting that causes undue harm to the country’s economic stability.
From Letters to Enforcement
Dr. Jayatissa noted that currently, the Ministry typically responds to distorted health news by sending a formal letter requesting a correction. However, he warned that this lenient approach will change.
“If someone continues to broadcast distorted or false news regarding public health, we will enforce the conditions under which these licenses were granted. A country cannot move forward without such regulations. If the people’s trust in the health sector is broken, there is nothing more we can do,” the Minister asserted.
The event was organized to honor journalists who have made significant contributions to public health awareness and health communication throughout the year 2025.
