The workshop titled “Empowering Media Actors and Lawyers through Digital Rights Awareness and Collaboration” was successfully held on 24 January 2026 in Jaffna, with a strong focus on digital rights, digital awareness, and the growing threats posed by misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation. Conducted in Tamil, the programme brought together journalists and legal professionals for in-depth discussions on online safety, ethical media practices, and cross-sector collaboration in the digital age.
The workshop featured expert contributions from Dr. Viranjana Herath, Mr. Aingkaran Kugathasan (Attorney-at-Law), and Senior Journalist Mr. Robert Anthony, who shared insights into legal frameworks governing digital spaces, ethical responsibilities in journalism, and practical strategies to counter false, misleading, and harmful information online. Speakers also highlighted the importance of cooperation between media actors and lawyers in safeguarding freedom of expression while ensuring accountability and the protection of digital rights.
Participants actively engaged in group discussions and interactive sessions, exchanging experiences, identifying emerging challenges in the digital information ecosystem, and exploring solutions to strengthen professional networks and enhance legal and journalistic responses to online harms.
The workshop concluded successfully, equipping participants with practical knowledge, tools, and collaborative linkages to promote stronger coordination between the media and legal sectors in addressing digital threats and upholding democratic values.
This programme was funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Appreciation was extended to all speakers, participants, and organizers for their valuable contributions in making the workshop impactful and meaningful.
