Sri Lanka election chief takes over broadcasters

The independent election commissioner took control of state-run television and radio today in an unprecedented move, following allegations of media bias toward the president’s party ahead of Friday’s parliamentary elections.

Election Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake put WDL Perera in charge of the state’s broadcast media, according to a statement from the commissioner’s office.

While legal, it was the first time in Sri Lankan history that the election commissioner had made such a move.

The announcement came amid an ongoing struggle for political prominence between President Chandrika Kumaratunga and her rival, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe – and just days before parliamentary elections that could help resolve that struggle.

In a November power grab, the president took control of the media ministry from the prime minister, and announced snap polls three months later.

Since then, Wickremesinghe’s party has accused state media of giving favourable coverage to Kumaratunga.

While Perera did not specifically accuse state media of backing the president, his move appeared aimed at ensuring less broadcast bias toward Kumaratunga.