CSN comeback under the NPP government raises questions over media power, political interests and alleged conflicts of interest.
The CSN comeback is reportedly gathering pace, with the controversial Carlton Sports Network preparing to re-enter Sri Lanka’s electronic media space under a new face and name.
The channel, originally launched by Yoshitha Rajapaksa, has long remained politically controversial. Now, political commentators argue that its reported return is not merely a media launch. They say it reflects the true nature of Sri Lanka’s current political order.
According to reliable sources, the most striking feature of this development is that it is happening under a National People’s Power government.
That irony has not gone unnoticed. Wasantha Samarasinghe and Sunil Watagala, who once protested on the streets against CSN and exposed alleged corruption and financial irregularities, are now part of the governing camp under which the channel is reportedly returning.
CSN Comeback and Namal Rajapaksa’s Project
Political sources claim the CSN comeback is not simply a business investment.
They allege that the revived channel could become a powerful media tool for the next phase of Namal Rajapaksa’s political project.
Analysts say the Rajapaksa camp, after losing state power, may now be trying to build the media strength needed to rebuild political influence.
However, critics point to the deeper irony.
The groundwork for this media network is reportedly being laid under a government that came to power promising “systemic change.”
They argue that while the media machinery needed for a Rajapaksa political revival appears to be returning, Wasantha Samarasinghe’s anti-corruption voice now seems silent inside the hidden networks of capital.
Former State Media Figure Linked to New Role
The most ironic development concerns the reported Chief Operating Officer of the new channel.
According to internal sources, the person expected to take the role is the same individual who became the first Chairman of National Television after the current government came to power.
He left that post within months. At the time, he cited trade union crossovers and other difficulties, saying National Television had become uncontrollable.
Now, he has reportedly moved to lead operations at Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s old channel.
Media sources say this cannot be dismissed as coincidence. They argue that the same person who led a state media institution with government blessing is now reportedly becoming operations chief of a private channel linked to the Rajapaksa agenda.
Conflict of Interest Questions Grow
Critics say the matter raises serious conflict of interest concerns.
According to reports, this individual is currently serving as Chairman of the Film Board under the Ministry of Culture.
He is also said to be teaching at a university.
Critics argue that simultaneously holding a state board chairmanship, even if honorary, while taking a top position at a politically connected private television channel creates a serious ethical problem.
They also question whether allowances, public influence and private political media interests can coexist without compromising public trust.
According to sources, the broadcasting licence for the channel still remains in the name of Rohan Welivita, who served as media coordination secretary to a former president.
That raises another issue. Critics say the legal questions once raised over rights, ownership and licence conditions now appear to have been suppressed.
Anti-Corruption Slogan Faces Its Own Test
The reported CSN comeback has therefore become more than a media story.
Critics say it shows that even after a change of government, the deeper structures of power and capital still appear capable of directing the system.
Political analysts argue that if a former state media chief is now leading a channel that may support Namal Rajapaksa’s political journey, then anti-corruption may have been only a slogan used to gain power.
They say the real nature of those now in power is being exposed by wealth, influence and media control.
For a government elected on promises of change, the return of CSN may become a defining test of whether the system has truly changed, or merely changed hands.
SOURCE:- SRI LANKAN LEADER
