Govt. to set standards and norms for journalism as a profession with proposed ‘Employment Law’

By Nishel Fernando  

The proposed legislation envisaged establishing a Practitioner licencing system for all professions including journalism.   

“Just because you get your hands on a camera or just because you can write, you won’t be able to become a journalist. This licence would provide the recognition as a professional journalist or professional of another field,” Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said.   

For example, he remarked that a real estate broker with no qualification in journalism won’t be able to become a part-time journalist at night, as at present.   

He noted that a National Committee for each profession would be established with the professionals in each field through the initial formation of district-wise associations.   

“..These boards will come up with required standards and norms in each respective field. The Minister of Labour through the proposed employment Act would be empowered to gazette standards and norms and these National Committees will issue these Practitioner licences to their peers. This is how your dignity can be protected,” he went on to say.   

The Ministry has already started this process for 20 professions including Journalism, Automobile Sector, Domestic Workers, and Preschool teachers etc.