Some TV programmes not fit for telecast, says President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said some programmes telecast over certain TV channels have been found to be injurious to the mentality of the children, moral values and to the society at large.

The President was speaking at a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat to seek artistes' views and suggestions on the forthcoming Budget.

President Rajapaksa also observed that television channels should telecast quality programmes promoting indigenous culture and values and the Motherland at large. If new investors are found, the cinema industry could be further ameliorated, he said.

It is the duty of the media to give publicity on what the Government has provided to improve the cinema industry and to attract new investors to the industry, he said.

President Rajapaksa stressed the need to develop the cinema and television production at international level instead of wholesale import of Tamil and English films.

He directed the Power and Energy Ministry Secretary to report on whether any relief could be provided to offset the effects of escalating electricity costs in studios.

The President promised to discuss with local bodies to provide relief with regard to the complaint that local bodies are over and above the 10 per cent entertainment tax.

Film director, Jackson Anthony said the relief package provided by the President for the cinema industry has not been meaningfully utilised.

President Rajapaksa said the principle always followed by the Government is to make the best use of things made locally and as such import of materials to improve facilities in cinema halls should be done away with and instead resort to utilise local materials.

The President said the Government has made arrangements to commence the Tele Village at Tissamaharama which will be a boost to the cinema industry.