Acting Indian High Commissioner hails inaugural India-Sri Lanka Media Conclave as landmark moment

Acting Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey

• This conclave is unique in our region and beyond, as it is an initiative by the media, for the media. From misinformation to the rise of cancel culture and AI’s growing presence in shaping narratives, we are entering a new era of journalism that demands greater responsibility, innovation and collaboration

Acting Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey yesterday hailed the inaugural India-Sri Lanka Media Conclave as a landmark moment in regional media collaborating, commending the Sri Lanka India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA) for spearheading the first initiative of its kind in the country. 

Delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Media Fest 2025, Dr. Pandey expressed gratitude to SLIMFA for beginning the event with a solemn tribute to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Kashmir, India. He described the gesture as a mark of true solidarity and shared empathy between the two nations.

“This conclave is unique in our region and beyond, as it is an initiative by the media, for the media,” Dr. Pandey said, noting the significance of both Indian and Sri Lankan media leaders coming together for dialogue and collaboration.

Speaking at the inauguration held at Taj Samudra Colombo Upper Crystal Ballroom,  the Acting High Commissioner praised the SLIMFA’s rapid progress since its inception less than a year ago, having already facilitated intellectual exchanges and professional engagements between Indian and Sri Lankan media communities.

The full-day session of the Festival will be held today involving four top Indian media industry personalities well-known TV journalist Palki Sharma, New Delhi-based World Is One News (WION) Editor Sidhant Sibal, India Today Group Chief Synergy Officer Shailesh Shekhar, and media research guru and TAM Media Research India CEO L.V. Krishnan. They will be joined by several top Sri Lankan media industry personalities at the Festival theme of which is ‘Navigating the New Media Landscape Together.’

Dr. Pandey highlighted SLIMFA’s role in fostering institutionalised cooperation, knowledge-sharing and mutual capacity building — particularly in confronting the emerging challenges posed by digital transformation and ethical dilemmas in journalism.

“From misinformation to the rise of cancel culture and AI’s growing presence in shaping narratives, we are entering a new era of journalism that demands greater responsibility, innovation and collaboration,” he said.

Dr. Pandey also pointed to the evolving nature of media economics, stressing the growing role of private capital and technology in reshaping the media ecosystem.

However, he cautioned that while corporatisation offers scalability, governments must preserve and strengthen communication channels that ensure accurate information, counter disinformation and safeguard democratic discourse.

Citing examples like the resurgence of banned political voices on social media following changes in platform ownership, Dr. Pandey stressed the global satire of challenges facing media governance and ethics. 

He also touched on the rise of citizen journalism, stating both democratising potential and the ethical enforcement challenges it presents. “I am glad to note that SLIMFA will be engaging in conversations covering many of these related issues and more,” he added.

On the Indian Government’s support for media development, Dr. Pandey highlighted a range of initiatives including a customised training program for over 20 Sri Lankan journalists last year and newly announced training slots 1,000 and 1,500 respectively for Sri Lankan professionals over the next five years, as announced during recent high-level bilateral visits. 

“This would include possibilities of training for media professionals and journalist friends from Sri Lanka. The platform such as today’s organised by SLIMFA buttress official endeavours to strengthen media space in both India and Sri Lanka,” he added.

Dr. Pandey concluded by thanking Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa for his participation and support and congratulated SLIMFA Chairman Nisthar Cassim and the organising team for launching what he described as a ‘rich and promising platform’ for regional cooperation in media.

The Media Fest 2025 inauguration included a two minute silence in respect of the victims of the heinous and dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir as well pioneers of Sri Lanka’s media industry who have passed away.

The Media Fest’s Platinum Sponsor is UltraTech Cement, and Gold Sponsors Lanka IOC PLC and India External Affairs Ministry’s Economic Diplomacy Division. SriLankan Airlines is the Official Travel Partner and Taj Samudra the Hospitality Partner, Outdoor Partner Richardson and Creative Partner Triad. Gift partners are Spa Ceylon and Dilmah Tea.