International mission to assess media situation in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI), together with International Media Support (IMS) in Denmark and the Open Society Foundation, is organising an International Assessment Mission to Sri Lanka conducted by leading media development and advocacy organisations which takes place from 8 to 14 May. 

The delegation comprises senior representatives from Article 19, the Centre for Law and Democracy in Canada, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Open Society Foundation, the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN), UNESCO and IMS.

During the seven days, the mission will meet key political leaders, senior government officials and media industry stakeholders as well as consult with academics, media researchers and civil society groups. This visit will also include a trip to Jaffna to meet a cross-section of journalists and academics from the North.

The mission will coincide with the National Media Summit being organised by the Ministry of Mass Media and Information of the University of Colombo, SLPI and IMS, scheduled to be held from 13-14 May at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo 7.

Based on stakeholder consultations, the group plans to assess the media situation in Sri Lanka and identify key challenges, opportunities and needs. This process will result in specific recommendations being discussed further at the National Media Summit before they receive international support in aiding media sector reforms and development.