International conference in Colombo to mark International Right to Information Day

The Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Ministry in association with the Department of Government Information will hold an international conference in Colombo under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena to commemorate the International Right to Information Day. 

This international conference will be held at Hilton Residences on 28 and 29 September under the theme ‘Right to Information and Media Reforms’. About 20 regional and international foreign delegates from the academia and media development will participate at the event. The conference will have two main objectives. First, is the exchange of regional and international experience and technical knowledge on the implementation of the Right to Information Act. This would enable Sri Lanka to implement the Right to Information Act more efficiently and effectively by utilising the facts and opportunities provided by the conference. It would be useful for Sri Lanka to share the experience of South Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan in overcoming challenges in implementing the Right to Information Act.

The second objective of the conference is to organise an effective discussion on necessary mass media reforms for the establishment of a reliable political culture based on democracy and good governance. It is expected to exchange capacities and knowledge of each participating country in expanding media usage through aspects such as media ethics, regulation methods training as well as the use of smart phones. This will provide an opportunity for Sri Lanka to receive knowledge and practical experience of media veterans from South Asia, Canada and Europe. Since public discussions on an Independent Media Commission and a Regulatory Authority on Broadcasting already exist in society, the conference will be a useful source of guidance in that regard. Local academics in relevant fields as well as media organisations and civil society organisations have been invited for the conference. The public also has a limited opportunity to participate. Those interested could apply through the websites www.news.lk or www.dgi.gov.lk.