Colombo witnessed a pivotal workshop titled “A Path to Reform: Assessing Hate Speech Laws in Sri Lanka”, bringing together leading legal minds, academics, and stakeholders. Held at the Mandarina Hotel, the event was organized under the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC-UNESCO) in partnership with the Media Law Forum, aiming to catalyze dialogue and collaboration on much-needed policy reform.
Hezekiel Dlamini, Advisor for Communication & Information at UNESCO’s New Delhi Regional Office, served as the Guest of Honour. In his keynote address, he provided a thorough review of the proposed hate speech policy reform document and shared global perspectives. Dlamini highlighted UNESCO’s efforts in using media policy as a tool to combat hate speech effectively.
Dr. Thusitha Abeysekara, Senior Lecturer in Law and Head of the Legal Studies Unit at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, offered an in-depth analysis of comparative hate speech legislation. He discussed the opportunities and challenges of integrating international best practices into Sri Lanka’s legal framework, emphasizing the importance of contextually relevant reforms.
The workshop also featured an engaging discussion session, moderated by AAL Viranjana Herath, Chairperson of the Media Law Forum. Professionals from various fields actively participated, offering critical insights and feedback on the proposed reforms. The forum underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to develop a robust legal framework that addresses the complexities of hate speech in Sri Lanka.
