In an interesting turn of events, President Maithripala Sirisena is set to appear on a musical show on the state-run Rupavahini after taking over the institution last week.

This is Sirisena's first TV programme on the channel, after the controversial acquisition. Janaka Wickremasinghe, a singer and a close supporter of Sirisena, will also appear on the same show, alongside the President.

In the show titled 'Sihinayaki Rae' Sirisena will talk about his favourite songs and personal experiences associated with them.

Sirisena brought the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) under the purview of the Ministry of Defence by an Extraordinary Gazette notification.

Non-Cabinet Minister of Media Ruwan Wijewardena vehemently protested the move. A number of media rights organizations, including the Free Media Movement (FMM) condemned the President's conduct.