Independent Television Network (ITN)

The Independent Television Network (ITN) is a state-owned media organization in Sri Lanka that broadcasts in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. It operates two television channels and two radio stations, offering a diverse mix of programming aimed at a broad demographic. Initially launched as a private entity, ITN has undergone several structural changes over the decades, gradually evolving into a firmly state-controlled media house.

Media assets

State Media Matrix Typology

Ownership and governance

After its early days as a privately owned broadcaster, ITN transitioned into government ownership and, in 1992, was formally reconstituted as a public company under state supervision. All shares of ITN are held by the Secretary to the Treasury of the Government of Sri Lanka, effectively cementing its status as a state-run entity.

The governance structure of ITN reflects this centralized control. Members of its board, including the chairperson, are appointed directly by the government. It is common practice for political appointees or former public officials to occupy these senior posts. In January 2022, for instance, Niroshan Premaratne, a former Member of Parliament, was appointed Chairman of ITN—a move widely interpreted as a continuation of the government’s tight grip over the broadcaster.

In September 2024, Priyantha Wedamulla, a veteran journalist and senior lecturer, was appointed Chairman of ITN—marking a notable leadership change while maintaining the pattern of government-appointed heads drawn from media or political circles.

Source of funding and budget

ITN derives the bulk of its revenue from commercial sources, including advertising and content licensing. However, government subsidies still play a role, particularly in offsetting operational losses.

In 2020, ITN reported revenues of LKR 1.5 billion (approximately US$ 8 million), with less than 20% of its budget funded by the state. By 2023, revenue had marginally increased to LKR 1.68 billion (roughly US$ 5.1 million), but the company posted a net loss of LKR 181 million (US$ 554,000), according to figures released by the Ministry of Finance. Data for 2024 has not yet been disclosed, but early indications suggest that ITN continued to operate at a financial deficit, prompting periodic scrutiny from parliamentary oversight committees.

Editorial independence

Editorial autonomy at ITN remains deeply compromised. Interviews conducted with local media experts and journalists in May 2023, September 2024 and July 2025 consistently point to pervasive government control over editorial decisions. The political affiliations and government backgrounds of ITN’s leadership underscore the absence of a firewall between state interests and editorial output.

No domestic legislation or external review mechanism has been identified that could affirm ITN’s independence or establish editorial safeguards. Unlike in some democracies where state broadcasters are insulated from political interference, ITN continues to function largely as a government mouthpiece, with no structural provisions to ensure impartiality or protect journalistic autonomy.

July 2025