Chairman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Somaratne Dissanayake said that all astrology programmes were removed from programme line-up of the state TV station with immediate effect.

High prominence was given to astrology programmes by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation under its previous administration. Most of them were designed in a manner that would benefit the political agenda of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family.

Dissanayake added that one of the first changes he made as soon as he assumed duties as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka  Rupavahini Corporation was to stop all Astrology related programmes.

“It has been proved that the majority of Astrologers who appear in state media are merely story-tellers and stooges of the ruling party. They are not only humiliating themselves but the viewers too”, he added.

Somaratne Dissanayake used the opportunity to criticize certain astrologers who regularly appeared on state media during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s rule and made statements on Rajapaksa’s 'landslide victory'.

"Some went to the extent of declaringin public that they would commit suicide if Mahinda Rajapaksa lost the Presidential Election. But, they still live happily’