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‘Structural constraints on SA media undermined prospects for regional amity – Himal Southasian Editor

Published

3 months ago

2026/02/12

Himal Southasian Editor Roman Gautam (extreme left) addressing the gathering

Himal Southasian Editor Roman Gautam has said that despite many journalists’ best intentions to foster regional cooperation, structural constraints within which South Asian media operates have significantly undermined prospects for regional amity. While acknowledging continued journalistic intent across the region, some which have managed to prevail, he identified financial dependence, political subordination, and the growing gap between intent and outcome as central challenges facing regional media.

Gautam made these observations when he addressed the RCSS Strategic Dialogue – 3 on the theme “Where does the media stand in connecting (or dividing) Southasia?”, on 2 February 2026 at the Board Room of the RCSS in Colombo. Moderated by the Executive Director of the RCSS Amb. (Retd.) Ravinatha Aryasinha, it brought together serving and retired senior public servants, diplomats, academics, and civil society representatives, and journalists, with additional participation via Zoom of members of the recently formed ‘RCSS Alumni Network’ spread across the globe. ED Aryasinha highlighted the longstanding common vision shared between Himal Southasian founded in 1987 and the RCSS founded in 1992, at a time there were real possibilities for South Asian regionalism and collaboration. He noted that despite the turbulence over the years, both Himal Southasian and the RCSS retained its ‘South Asian Regional Spirit’ enabling scholars and writers in South Asian, and also focussing on South Asia to collaborate on issues of shared concern, retaining a foundation of trust and cross-border engagement.

Gautam opened his remarks by acknowledging the historical role of journalists in South Asian regionalism, noting that journalists have always been involved in informing regional populations about each other and, particularly during the heyday of track-two diplomacy, actively working toward reconciliation across borders. However, he questioned whether fostering state-to-state connections should be the journalists’ role and responsibility, even through track-two channels. More critically, despite continued intent among many journalists across initiatives in the region, a realistic assessment shows severe limitations in fostering genuine regional spirit. The answer, he emphasized, lies in examining the structures within which journalists work today, rather than questioning their motivations or commitment.

He presented cases from recent upheavals in Nepal and Bangladesh to illustrate how media coverage served domestic political interests at the cost of regional goodwill. In each case, stray opinions voiced by a few participants were seized upon and fed to audiences in sensational fashion, with no effort to canvass broader opinion or extensively research issues. Selective coverage that pandered to domestic political interests ignored ground realities and broader contexts. Gautam traced these patterns as pandering to structural realities: reliance on government advertising, corporate capture creating vulnerabilities to state pressure, and ideological alignment. The need for financial survival prompted media to subscribe to official narratives, as failure to abide by the official line could spell financial ruin. Gautam who characterized social media as enabling understanding but also extremism, suggested regional platforms could help bring journalists together, and acknowledged the dire situation faced by persecuted journalists, with no real support mechanisms.

Gautam also discussed SAARC’s past contributions and constraints. Though designed to promote regional collaboration, the organisation’s impact has been limited by political friction, especially between India and Pakistan. However, he noted that programs such as RCSS’s workshops and fellowships prove that non-governmental actors, particularly journalists, can facilitate mutual understanding across borders, even if on a smaller scale. He underscored that such modest initiatives are crucial for building dialogue and knowledge-sharing traditions in South Asia.

During the discussion, participants explored social media’s impact, SAARC revitalization, generational shifts in media consumption, press freedom, disinformation and journalist persecution. Participants debated whose ‘South Asia’ is being discussed, with Gautam emphasizing it as a common cause built on synergies rather than belonging to any single conception. The power-based nature of the current global order was highlighted, with observations that even brave journalists find themselves let down by institutions, and that both external and internal factors limit media’s role in regionalism.

A principal question raised was whether this critique referred to the totality of media or to specific divisive elements. Gautam clarified that all media is not a monolithic and that independent journalists continue working outside these structures across the region, some successfully. He highlighted the efforts being made by Himal Southasian and others to preserve that space. However, an overall point made was that as a result of these structural constraints and negative media practices, South Asian regionalism has suffered badly. He acknowledged that as matters stand currently, there is a very real information gap about South Asian realities among South Asian publics. This was a huge problem that needs to be managed reflectively, and the region’s more enlightened media could play a constructive role in taking up this challenge.

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Sri Lanka cricket finances ‘greater than feared’: interim chief

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Eran Wickramaratne gestures during a press conference at the Sri Lanka Cricket Board office in Colombo on May 21 (Ishara S. KODIKARA/AFP)

(AFP)Financial irregularities surrounding Sri Lankan cricket were far worse than feared, government-appointed administrators said Thursday, promising a full accounting and sweeping reforms.

“We have already ordered a forensic audit of the accounts,” Eran Wickramaratne, interim president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), told his first news conference since taking office last month.

He said financial irregularities were “far greater than initially feared”.

He said the new SLC leadership — handpicked by the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake — would bring in sweeping reforms as concerns linger over international sanctions.

The current administration was appointed following the mass resignation of SLC’s elected officials last month — a move that raised fears of possible suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over political interference.

The SLC, the country’s richest sports body, was suspended for two months in 2023 on similar grounds.

Wickramaratne, however, said discussions with the ICC were underway on reforming the SLC.

“Our talks with the ICC have been extremely cordial and constructive,” he said.

“We have been very open and transparent in what we are doing, and they want us to pursue open and transparent methods in doing this.”

Reforms include drafting a new constitution aimed at curbing abuses that allowed groups to retain power for a prolonged period, he added.

Four-time SLC president Shammi Silva and his entire committee stepped down in April after the government intervention, clearing the way for the current overhaul.The previous administration had also faced criticism over the national team’s performances, including an early exit from the T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka co-hosted with India earlier this year.

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Police roll out countrywide security plan for Vesak Week

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

The Police have announced a special islandwide security programme for Vesak Week to ensure the public can observe religious activities in a peaceful and secure environment, free from fear or inconvenience.

The Police Department said the measures have been introduced in view of heightened religious observances across the country during the Vesak season, with Buddhists worldwide preparing to mark Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on 30 May 2026.

Authorities said large crowds are expected at major Buddhist sites, including ancient places of worship, while Vesak lantern displays, pandals and Bhakthi Gee programmes will be held across the island.

Under the special security plan, the Inspector General of Police has directed all police stations to take steps to minimise traffic congestion and ensure public convenience in areas with high footfall.

The Police Department said enhanced day and night mobile patrols will be deployed across all divisions, alongside special security operations aimed at safeguarding public safety and protecting property during the festive period.

Authorities also warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or groups whose behaviour is deemed to undermine the dignity and sanctity of Vesak or cause inconvenience to devotees.

In a set of public guidelines issued for the season, the Police Department urged organisers of Dansal programmes to comply with health and safety standards and implement proper crowd management measures to prevent congestion.

The public has also been advised to refrain from behaviour deemed inappropriate for the religious season, avoid excessive noise, and ensure responsible use of loudspeakers with prior approval.

Devotees have been requested to abstain from alcohol and narcotic substances during Vesak activities, while being urged to remain vigilant against theft in crowded areas and ensure the safety of children and elderly persons.

The Police Department further encouraged the public to report emergencies via hotlines 118 and 119, and to submit relevant video footage of traffic violations or environmental offences through designated WhatsApp channels for legal action.

Authorities said the measures are aimed at ensuring that Vesak is observed in a spirit of peace, devotion and public harmony across the country.

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India, Lanka boost air power ties as IAF Chief visits Colombo

Published

6 hours ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

(ANI) May 22:Marking a critical milestone in regional security cooperation, India’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, addressed the National Defence College (NDC) in Sri Lanka during his three-day visit to the island nation.

Speaking on the strategic imperative of “Air Power in the 21st Century,” the Air Chief Marshal highlighted the evolving dynamics of modern warfare and the growing necessity of robust bilateral military partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region.

The high-level interaction served as a central fixture of his three-day official visit to the island nation, aimed at anchoring the defence ties between the two neighbours.

Sharing the details in a post on X, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said that the Air Chief also interacted with the Commandant and the National Defence College course participants.

The Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh visited the National Defence College, Sri Lanka on 20 May 26. He spoke on the topic ‘Air power in the 21st century’ and interacted with the Commandant and NDC course participants

Earlier on Wednesday, the High Commission shared that the Air Chief was received with a Guard of Honour at SLAF headquarters prior to formal meetings on Tuesday, prior to his call on with the Commander of SLAF.

“He also called on the Deputy Minister of Defence Maj Gen Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Secretary Defence, AVM Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). ACM A P Singh paid his respects to the IPKF martyrs by laying a wreath at the monument in Bataramulla”, the post added.

Air Chief AP Singh had arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit from 19-21 May 26.

India and Sri Lanka have a longstanding defence partnership.

Earlier in April, the two countries reaffirmed their growing maritime partnership through the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise, IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, conducted at Colombo from April 21-28.

The exercise witnessed participation of the Indian Navy’s Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, alongside diving teams from both navies- underscoring enhanced operational coordination and professional synergy, the Indian Navy said in a statement.

As India continues to deepen its military engagements with friendly nations, the multilateral military Exercise PRAGATI 2026 commenced on Wednesday at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, with the participation of 12 friendly nations, namely Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.