Government to enhance welfare of Media personnel and artistes
Action is being implemented on a housing project for media personnel as directed by President Maithripala Sirisena , the Deputy Media Minister Shantha Bandara said.
Expressing views at a press briefing held at the Government Information Department this morning, the Deputy Minister said that as decided by President Sirisena, a housing complex consisting of 1500 houses would be constructed in a 100 acre land in Diyagama, Homagama to facilitate media personnel who travel to their work places in Colombo daily from distant places in the country. He emphasised that the Government will always look at ways and means to upgrade the lives of the media personnel and to create an environment that would enable freedom of expression.
Media personnel of state and private media institutions from remote areas who are being accommodated in places with low facilities will be given ownership of these houses at concessionary rates. They will be required to bear the construction cost of the house on installment basis, the Minister said.
The Deputy Minister assured that distribution of these houses will be in consultation with the respective media heads, irrespective of their political party or colour. Those who are in possession of a permanent house in Colombo will not be considered, the Deputy Minister added.
The proposal would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval and the officials of the Media Ministry including the Minister and the Secretary are expected to discuss with the Japanese Government to secure funding for the project.
The Deputy Minister further noted that as per directions given by President the artistes who travel to Colombo to engage in their artistic activities too will be provided with necessary facilities, as in the case of media personnel.
