Speaking to Sri Lanka Mirror, several artistes charged that the two channels were back to playing the games they had played during the previous regime.

It is unethical for the two state-run channels to telecast two teledramas by the same director at the same time, they pointed out.

Rupavahini began telecasting ‘Diyaniyo’ on May 19, while the ITN is to start telecasting ‘Kutu Kutu Maama’ this week.

‘Kutu Kutu Maama’ is a teledrama previously rejected by Hiru TV.

Head of the Rupavahini and ITN drama divisions and their final decision makers are Wimalaratne Adhikari and Vipula Ratnasiri respectively.