Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana appointed Dr. Prasad Samarasinghe as the Chairman and Director General of the national television, entrusting him with the responsibility of preparing a programme based on his experience as an administrative officer in the private sector, to revive national television.

Accordingly, Dr. Samarasinghe made a special contribution to build a stable situation by resolving the problems faced by the institution in a short period of time, and the Minister appreciated his efforts.

The Minister emphasised that it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors and other members to continue the programmes and roles that were started based on his concepts in the institution.

The Minister said even though Dr. Prasad Samarasinghe, who does not have any allegations of fraud or corruption against him, donated his personal salary to the staff, he had to face baseless allegations by political elements like the JVP in Parliament at times.

Minister Dr. Gunawardhana also emphasised that he always stood up for the right decisions and for the right officials and worked to correct the wrong accusations.

Anusha Palpita, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media, Ranjith Rubasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways and officials from ITN, SLBC, Lake House, Selacine and other heads of electronic and print media institutions under the Ministry of Mass Media, Ministry officials and others participated in this event.