Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized that media literacy is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity in building a well-informed and resilient society. She made these remarks while participating as Chief Guest at the Sri Lanka Broadcasters' Symposium 2026, held on November 11th in Colombo. The two-day event, running from November 11th to 12th, brought together broadcasting professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders under one roof to discuss the evolving landscape of media in Sri Lanka and beyond.
A High-Level Platform for Broadcasting Professionals
The Sri Lanka Broadcasters' Symposium 2026 was organized by the Sri Lanka Broadcasters' Association in collaboration with the Department of Government Information. The event served as a significant gathering for representatives across the broadcasting sector, creating a space for meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing modern media. Professionals from television, radio, and digital broadcasting platforms came together to exchange ideas, share expertise, and chart a course for the future of responsible broadcasting in Sri Lanka.
The symposium's theme resonated strongly with the current global conversation around information integrity, digital transformation, and the critical role that broadcasters play in shaping public opinion. With misinformation and disinformation becoming increasingly prevalent in the digital age, events like this are more relevant than ever before.
PM Amarasuriya's Message on Media Literacy
Delivering her address as Chief Guest, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the vital importance of media literacy in today's rapidly changing information environment. She stressed that citizens must be equipped with the skills and critical thinking tools necessary to navigate a complex media landscape filled with both credible reporting and misleading content.
The Prime Minister's remarks reflected a broader governmental recognition that an informed citizenry is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. When people can distinguish between reliable information and propaganda, between fact-based journalism and sensationalism, they are better positioned to make sound decisions — whether at the ballot box, in their communities, or in their daily lives.
Dr. Amarasuriya's participation at such a high-profile industry event signals the government's commitment to supporting the broadcasting sector while also holding it accountable to the highest standards of journalistic integrity and public service. Her presence as Chief Guest underlines the importance the current administration places on the relationship between responsible media and democratic governance.
The Role of Broadcasters in Shaping an Informed Public
Broadcasting has long been one of the most powerful tools for mass communication, and in Sri Lanka, it continues to play a central role in how citizens receive and process information. Radio and television remain primary sources of news and entertainment for millions of Sri Lankans, particularly in rural areas where internet connectivity may be limited. As such, broadcasters carry an enormous responsibility to deliver accurate, balanced, and contextually rich content to their audiences.
The symposium provided an important opportunity for industry professionals to reflect on this responsibility. Panel discussions, keynote addresses, and workshops throughout the two-day event covered a wide range of topics, including the ethical obligations of broadcasters, the impact of social media on traditional broadcasting, regulatory frameworks, and strategies for promoting media literacy among the general public.
Representatives from the Department of Government Information also played an active role in facilitating discussions around policy and regulation, ensuring that the conversations at the symposium were grounded in both practical realities and forward-looking vision.
Media Literacy as a National Priority
The Prime Minister's call for greater media literacy aligns with growing international consensus that media education must be integrated into national development strategies. Organizations around the world, including UNESCO, have long advocated for media and information literacy as a core competency for citizens of all ages. Sri Lanka's engagement with this agenda through events like the Broadcasters' Symposium positions the country as a proactive participant in this global movement.
For media literacy to take root at the national level, it requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors — government, education, civil society, and the media industry itself. Schools must incorporate critical media thinking into their curricula. Broadcasting institutions must uphold editorial standards that set the benchmark for quality journalism. And government bodies must create enabling environments where free, independent, and responsible media can thrive.
Looking Ahead
The Sri Lanka Broadcasters' Symposium 2026 concluded with renewed commitment from participants to champion media literacy and responsible broadcasting across the country. The conversations sparked during the two-day event are expected to influence policy discussions, industry practices, and public awareness campaigns in the months ahead.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya's participation and her powerful message serve as a timely reminder that building an informed society is a shared responsibility — one that demands active engagement from leaders, broadcasters, educators, and citizens alike. As Sri Lanka continues to navigate the complexities of the modern information age, media literacy stands out as one of the most essential investments the nation can make in its democratic future.