November 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has taken centre stage in the regional broadcasting industry with Colombo hosting the 63rd General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and its associated meetings, attracting more than 350 media executives, broadcasters, policymakers and industry specialists from across the Asia-Pacific region and other parts of the world.
The five-day international gathering, running from 30 October to November 03, is being held at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams. Maharaja Media Network is hosting the event with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to participate in the opening ceremony, highlighting the national significance attached to an event that places Sri Lanka in the spotlight of the international broadcasting community.
The occasion is particularly significant for the country, as this is the first time Sri Lanka has been selected to host the ABU General Assembly. It is also the first time that a privately owned broadcasting organisation has taken on the responsibility of hosting the prestigious annual gathering.
Held under the theme ‘Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust and Transformation’, the conference seeks to examine the changing responsibilities of the media in an increasingly complex global environment, while exploring ways to strengthen public confidence in broadcasting and journalism.
Maharaja Media Network Group Director Chevaan Daniel said the opportunity to host such a major international gathering would help introduce Sri Lanka to a wider global audience.
He noted that welcoming representatives of one of the world’s largest media organisations offered an important platform to highlight the country’s attractions and capabilities, while creating opportunities for greater international engagement.
ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem also welcomed Sri Lanka’s role in organising the gathering, describing the General Assembly as the union’s most important annual event and a significant forum for bringing together broadcasting organisations from different countries.
The discussions are expected to cover several pressing issues affecting the media industry, including technological developments in broadcasting, the use of artificial intelligence, the sustainability of public service media, media resilience and stronger cooperation among regional broadcasters.
Entertainment and cultural activities will also form an important part of the programme. Stein Studios in Ratmalana will provide the venue for the 15th ABU Song Festival on November 02, with musical performances representing 10 countries from the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition to the formal meetings and cultural events, visiting delegates will have the opportunity to experience some of Sri Lanka’s tourism attractions. Excursions to Galle and Bentota have been arranged to introduce participants to the island’s coastal landscapes, historical landmarks and cultural heritage.
Founded in 1964, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union has its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The organisation represents 225 member organisations spread across 66 countries, with its collective broadcasting reach extending to more than half of the world’s population.
The Colombo gathering is receiving support from several Sri Lankan government bodies and institutions, including the ministries overseeing foreign affairs and tourism, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and other state agencies.
Beyond its significance to the broadcasting sector, the international event is expected to provide Sri Lanka with valuable exposure as a destination for business gatherings, cultural exchanges and international tourism, while creating opportunities to strengthen relationships with media organisations across the world.
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