3. Competent Authority to be satisfied of compliance with certain conditions

Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.

In the exercise and discharge of the powers and functions under paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of section 2, it shall be the duty of the Competent Authority as far as practicable, to be satisfied, that the programmes broadcast by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation or the Sri Lanka

Rupavahini Corporation as the case may be, comply with the following conditions, in addition to any guidelines which the

Election Commission may issue from time to time :—

(a)

that any programme broadcast by either the Sri Lanka

Broadcasting Corporation or the Sri Lanka Rupavahini

Corporation as the case may be, shall not include

Competent Authority (Powers and Functions)

anything which is against good taste or decency, or which is likely to incite a person to commit a crime, or which may lead to disorder, or be such as to offend any racial or religious susceptibilities, or to be offensive to public feeling ;

(b)

that the programmes broadcast shall maintain a proper local, regional and international balance with regard to the subject matter dealt with, and also generally to maintain a high standard of quality ;

(c)

that any news presented through any such programme shall be presented with due accuracy and impartiality and with due regard to the public interest.

Read on from s 4