The Media Law Forum, in partnership with the University of Kelaniya, organized a two-day residential workshop on August 15-16, 2024, at the Grand Paradise Hotel in Kelaniya. The workshop brought together media academics from leading universities across Sri Lanka, including the University of Jayawardenapura, the Sri Palee Campus of Colombo University, Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), the University of Jaffna, and the Trincomalee Campus of Eastern University.
Focusing on the evolving landscape of media law in Sri Lanka, the workshop covered a wide range of topics. Sessions were led by distinguished resource persons, including Attorney-at-Law Jagath Liyana Arachchi, who provided insights into the Right to Information Act, and Senior Attorney-at-Law Lakshan Dias, who discussed the legal principles and limitations of freedom of expression in media. Senior Journalist and Communication Specialist Namal Perera conducted an in-depth session on ethical standards in media practice, while Attorney-at-Law Viranjana Herath explored emerging trends in media laws, particularly the role of AI in the media landscape and the implications of the Online Safety Act on online content. The workshop concluded with interactive case studies and exercises facilitated by Attorney-at-Law Prabodha Rathnayake.
This workshop offered a valuable platform for academic staff to deepen their understanding of media law, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and apply legal principles to real-world scenarios, fostering collaboration and advancing media law education in Sri Lanka.
