The Health and Mass Media Ministry has announced that all individuals and institutions operating cable or satellite (DTH) television broadcasting stations without a valid licence will be given a grace period until November 30, 2025 to obtain proper authorisation.

According to Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, it is mandatory for operators to possess a valid broadcasting license issued under their name by both the Health and Mass Media Ministry and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) to legally function as a cable or satellite TV operator, whether for personal or business purposes.

Dr. Jasinghe further emphasised that maintaining a television broadcasting station without such a licence is an offence under Section 28 of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Act No. 6 of 1982.

He also noted that the import, production, sale, rental, renovation, or distribution of related broadcasting equipment without proper authorisation is strictly illegal under Sri Lankan law.

“The licence issued to an individual or organisation cannot be handed over or transferred to a third party,” Dr. Jasinghe added. “We also wish to remind the public that entering into agreements with illegal broadcasting operators will render such agreements null and void before the law.”

The Ministry warned that any satellite or cable-based broadcasting station operating without a valid licence after the deadline will face legal action. Application forms for licences are available at the Health and Mass Media Ministry or can be downloaded from the official website www.media.gov.lk.