The Media Law Forum hosted a comprehensive awareness program at the University of Colombo, designed for students from Kelaniya University and Colombo University’s mass media departments on September 13, 2024. This program provided an in-depth exploration of the landscape of media law in Sri Lanka, offering valuable insights into the evolving regulatory frameworks that govern the media industry.
The program began with an introduction to key media laws in Sri Lanka, covering both foundational legal principles and recent developments in the field. Participants also explored emerging trends in Sri Lankan media laws, with a special focus on how the digital transformation had reshaped the regulatory environment and created new challenges and opportunities for media professionals.
A dedicated session focused on the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), providing students with a thorough understanding of data protection, its growing importance in the context of media and journalism, and a detailed overview of the PDPA’s implications for media practice in Sri Lanka.
In addition to legal frameworks, the program addressed ethical considerations and professional standards in media practice. Through discussions on the definition and importance of ethics in media, the ethical dilemmas faced by modern journalists, and the relevant professional standards and codes of conduct, students gained a well-rounded perspective on responsible journalism in today’s media landscape.
The program concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing students to interact with experts and clarify their understanding of the topics covered. This event aimed to equip the next generation of media professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate Sri Lanka’s dynamic media law landscape with integrity and professionalism.