Media Festival 2025 opens new chapter in Sri Lanka-India media ties says Minister Dr. Jayatissa

 Sri Lanka India Media Friendship Association President Nisthar Cassim (right) with Media Fest Sri Lanka 2025 Festival Director Santosh Menon at the Fire Side Chat during the inauguration of the Festival at Taj Samudra, Colombo – Pix by Damnda Harsha Perera and Sameera Wijesinghe

• Announces formulation of Natioanal Media Policy and establishment of Chartered Institute of Media Professionals in Sri Lanka

Mass Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday declared the inaugural Media Festival 2025 a pivotal moment in the region’s media landscape, highlighting it as a platform to promote media excellence and deepen Sri Lanka-India cooperation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Sri Lanka’s first ever Media Festival organised by the Sri Lanka India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA), patron of which is the  Indian High Commission, Dr. Jayatissa underscored the event’s regional significance, stating that it would shape the future of media in our region and beyond.

“We are at a critical juncture in the evolution of media. The rapid advancement of technology, the rise of digital platforms, and shifting audience consumption patterns present both challenges and opportunities. The way we create, disseminate, and consume information is transforming. It is therefore imperative that we adapt to these changes with agility, embrace innovation, and uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity,” he said at the inauguration held at Taj Samudra Colombo Upper Crystal Ballroom. The full-day session 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. 

The Government unequivocally recognises the vital role of a free, responsible and vibrant media in sustaining a democratic society. We are committed to fostering an environment, where the media can thrive, report fearlessly and function as a watchdog of democracy

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.’

The Minister noted that response to these changes will determine the future of media and its role in our societies.

He stressed on the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Sri Lanka and India, noting that both countries have shared a long legacy of storytelling and informative exchange from ancient oral tradition to the modern digital era.

As part of the Government’s vision for a stronger and more credible media industry, Minister Jayatissa announced two key initiatives spearheaded by the Health and Mass Media Ministry. These include; the formulation of a National Media Policy and the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals in Sri Lanka.

“The Government unequivocally recognises the vital role of a free, responsible and vibrant media in sustaining a democratic society. We are committed to fostering an environment, where the media can thrive, report fearlessly and function as a watchdog of democracy,” he affirmed.

Dr. Jayatissa also extended his appreciation to the Indian High Commission and the SLIMFA for organising the landmark event, which features leading Indian and Sri Lankan media personalities.

He expressed optimism that Sri Lanka’s first Media Festival would serve as a catalyst for cross-border collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing in the media industry.

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.