Business

PRCA country rep urges media industry stakeholders to address key issues

Published

2 years ago

2024/05/27

Thanzyl Thajudeen

Sri Lanka needs to take into consideration and adopt relevant measures and policies to save the media industry from a severe talent shortage, stressed Thanzyl Thajudeen, the country representative of the Public Relations & Communications Association (PRCA), the world’s largest and influential PR body.

We are seeing various challenges across the industry, such as lack of skills and attitudes among newcomers, complete disregard for ethics and confidentiality, shortage of staff and talent, tremendous burnout among existing staff, drop in the quality of journalism and reporting, stagnated and outdated salary scales and business revenue models, over-sensationalizing news and events, surging levels of misinformation and propagandas, among others.

There are many misconceptions among graduates and newcomers to the industry, and we need to bridge these gaps by mobilizing some of the brilliant minds from both the professional and academic sectors and facilitating knowledge transfer including the integration of other disciplines such as law, social sciences, and psychology for example. Being an all-rounder is crucial to journalism, to have that multidisciplinary perspective. And most importantly, to have the level of maturity, integrity and resilience the discipline deserves.

Based on our recent interactions, we found that there is a growing burnout among editors, especially those in print media outlets that are facing talent turnover. Media owners need to be advised that this poses a threat, if not now, in time to come, eventually leading to losing some of the most competent individuals left in the field out there. The burnout also extends to the PR industry, and we are deeply concerned about the skills and attitudes of the newcomers in this sector too.

The unprecedented pandemic put everyone to the test, and just like other domains, we saw the media industry especially print coming to a halt. But that is water under the bridge. Today, the industry is not having a paper shortage problem like it used to, nor does it have any revenue problem or a significant decrease in readership or viewership, these are quite universal. What it has is a people problem, the media release highlighted. The intentions and expectations of those entering the industry today are far away from reality on the grounds.

The media industry, especially print, has a diverse and multigenerational workforce however though this should bring in more vibrancy, it’s quite the opposite in Sri Lanka as there is a lack of bond and knowledge transfer between the two generations. Further, employing those on a freelance basis has also seen unfortunate incidents of mistrust and espionage.

The quality of journalism and reporting has eroded quite drastically in the recent few years, and the industry has done little or nothing to sustain it. We notice various upskilling being done by many organizations including the involvement of the development sector however the root cause is not addressed. And if this continues to be overlooked, the industry will face a crisis in time to come. ‘The industry needs to invest in education, advocacy and diversity.’

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

7 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

8 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

8 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.