This will come in the way of plans by Wijaya Newspapers to start a television channel, and by Arjun Aloysius to launch a media network comprising both electronic and print medium.

The Sirasa Media Network will also not be able to go ahead with its plan to commence a newspaper.

‘Sathhanda’ reports that the main reason for the proposed laws is the plans by leading businessmen to start their own media institutions for business and political gains and to use same to destabilize governments.

Several countries are having similar laws to prevent attempts to manipulate the political authority.

However, deputy minister Karunaratne Paranawithana refutes the report, adding however, there is an extensive dialogue in society with regard to a regulation of the media.