The 21st Asian Media Summit commenced yesterday (12th) in Malé, Maldives, with the participation of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Organized under the theme “Maldives 2.0: From Tradition to Tech,” the summit focused extensively on maintaining professionalism and integrity amidst rapidly evolving global media trends.

National Media Policy and Digital Evolution

Addressing the summit, Minister Jayatissa briefed the international delegation on the formulation and current progress of Sri Lanka’s new National Media Policy. He emphasized that traditional and digital media should not be viewed as competitors, noting that both sectors are vital in delivering accurate and responsible news to the public.

The Minister highlighted that the proposed policy is built upon three pillars:

  • Ensuring Media Freedom: Protecting the rights of journalists and outlets.

  • Privacy and Dignity: Safeguarding individual rights in the digital age.

  • Professionalism: Establishing a chartered institute for journalists to enhance vocational standards.

Embracing AI and Self-Regulation

Commenting on the rise of modern technological tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Minister Jayatissa stated that these innovations should not be viewed with fear. Instead, he described them as a natural step in human evolution that should be embraced responsibly.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed his belief that self-regulation by journalists and social media activists is far more effective than rigid government-imposed regulations.

"Our ultimate goal is to maximize the benefits of technological advancement for the well-being of humanity, while strictly respecting human rights and the legal framework," the Minister remarked.

Regional Cooperation

The summit also featured addresses by:

  • Mr. Mohammad Ali Arafat – Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Bangladesh.

  • Mr. Expedito Lemos Lait Magno – Secretary of State for Social Communication, Timor-Leste.

  • Mr. Ibrahim Ishaam – Minister of Information and Arts, Maldives.

High-ranking regional diplomats, including Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of BIMSTEC, and Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary-General of SAARC, were also in attendance.