NOC hosts forum on gender equity in sports media

Saturday, 20 September 2025 01:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NOC SL Compliance Committee Chairperson Caryll Tozer, Senior Sports Journalist Navod Wijewickrama, Everystory Sri Lanka Gender and Policy Consultant and CEO Widya Kumarasinghe, NOC SL Gender Equity Committee Chairperson and Vice President Niloo Jayatilake, NOC SL Athletes’ Commission Chairperson Niluka Karunaratne, Veteran Publisher, Journalist and NOC SL General Manager Lal Wickrematunge

By Shamseer Jaleel

The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) organised a landmark forum on gender equity in sports media at its headquarters, drawing a record participation of over 60 sports journalists.

The event highlighted the growing recognition of the role media plays in shaping public perception of athletes.

Held under the theme ”Balanced Voices, Better News” and supported by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the three-hour program offered an engaging platform for discussions on ethical reporting, inclusive practices, and the importance of balanced representation in sports coverage.

NOCSL Gender Equity Committee Chairperson Niloo Jayathilake, delivered a powerful address. She emphasised that journalists are the architects of the narrative, stressing that the stories told, images amplified, and language used influence sponsors, inspire youth, and shape the wider sporting culture.

Jayathilake also drew attention to the imbalance in coverage, noting that men’s sports receive significantly more prominence than women’s. Using schools’ rugby as an example, she called for equal attention to women’s sporting achievements.

She further urged the media to broaden their horizons beyond Colombo and elite schools, where much of the focus lies, to highlight hidden female talent across the country.

NOCSL General Manager and veteran journalist, Lal Wickrematunge, provided a historical perspective. He traced the journey of gender inequality in global sport and underlined Sri Lanka’s progress, particularly in women’s cricket.

Wickrematunge pointed out that increased sponsorships, better skill levels, and rising spectator interest are positive signs that women’s sports are gaining momentum and inspiring more youngsters to participate.

Other notable speakers included gender and policy consultant and Every Story Sri Lanka CEO, Widaya Kumarasinghe, Athletics Commission Chairperson, Niluka Karunaratne, and senior journalist, Navod Wijewickrema.

Together, they stressed the need to create equal opportunities for women athletes, ensuring lost talent is identified and given international exposure.

The forum concluded on a hopeful note, reinforcing the media’s responsibility to drive gender equity in sports and champion a culture of fairness, balance, and opportunity.