The Election Commission and a collective of civil society organisations conducted a vital dialogue on the formulation of new media guidelines in view of upcoming elections in Sri Lanka.
The discussion held in Colombo, saw the participation of a diverse group of stakeholders, including journalists, media representatives from various platforms such as print, broadcast, digital, and social media, as well as diplomats, politicians, researchers, and members of civil society organisations.
The event was organized by the collaborative effort of Factum, the Media Law Forum, Hashtag Generation, the Broadcasters Guild of Sri Lanka, and l the Institute for Democratic Reform and Electoral Studies (IRES), with the participation of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.
These organizations collectively sought to frame a discussion addressing the evolving role of different media outlets during election periods, as well as the transition and challenges faced by digital and traditional media platforms.
Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya and Commissioner General of Elections Saman Shri Ratnayake led the discussion, joined by Mandana Ismail, Jagath Liyanarachchi, and Darshatha Gamage. The panel delved into the legal implications and challenges confronted by contemporary media, the formulation and enforcement of revised media guidelines for election coverage, and the impact of artificial intelligence and social media on electoral processes.
The gathering highlighted the critical need for updated guidelines that can navigate the complexities of technology and traditional media practices during elections. The discussion also focused on ensuring a fair and balanced media approach that can contribute effectively to the democratic process, safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process in Sri Lanka.(NewsWire)