The Ministry of Mass Media recently held a ceremony to appoint a Chairman and three Board members to the Sri Lanka Press Council, with Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, in attendance.

Award-winning writer, critic, and journalist Priyan R. Wijebandara has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Council. Additionally, Dr. Anushka Kahandagamage, a Supreme Court Advocate; journalist Mahisha Mudugamuwa; and journalist Devadasan Sendilwelawar have been appointed as Board members.

Priyan R. Wijebandara, the newly appointed Chairman, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kelaniya and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Colombo. He also holds a Diploma in Advanced English for Administration and Academic Purposes from the University of Colombo and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Cinematography from the National Film Corporation. With nearly 25 years of experience in the media sector, he has worked as a communication specialist and researcher for several World Bank-funded projects.
Dr. Anushka Kahandagamage, a sociologist with a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the University of Otago, brings significant expertise to the Board. She has worked with various research organizations, including the Advisory Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms in Sri Lanka and the Law and Society Trust.

Mahisha Mudugamuwa, a Supreme Court lawyer and News Editor at The Sunday Morning, brings over a decade of media experience. She has represented Sri Lanka in international programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the Yokohama City Journalist Fellowship Program.

Devadasan Sendilwelawar, the Editor-in-Chief of Thinakaran Daily and Thinakaran Varamanjari Weekly, brings over 30 years of experience in the media industry. He has received training in journalism worldwide and has served as President of the All Ceylon Tamil Journalists Association.