COLOMBO – More than 350 broadcasters, media executives, industry experts and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond are gathering in Colombo for the 63rd Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) General Assembly and Associated Meetings, marking the first time Sri Lanka has hosted the organization’s flagship annual event.
The five-day gathering, that got underway on October 30 at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams and is scheduled to continue till November 3, is hosted by the Maharaja Media Network, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
Held under the theme ‘Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust and Transformation’, the event brings together industry leaders to discuss the future of broadcasting, media resilience, artificial intelligence-driven transformation, public service media and regional cooperation.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the opening ceremony on Sunday (Nov 1).
Chevaan Daniel, Group Director of the Maharaja Media Network and Capital Maharaja Group, said hosting the General Assembly provided an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka to the international media industry.
“We are delighted to take Sri Lanka to the world as the host broadcaster for the 63rd ABU General Assembly. A gathering of industry leaders of the world’s largest media union is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase beautiful Sri Lanka,” he said.
ABU Vice President Zhou Jihong, who is also Director-General of the International Co-operation Department of China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA)/ Radio and Television of the People’s Republic of China (RTPRC), said the event creates an engaging forum for media professionals to exchange ideas, foster collaboration and drive innovation in the rapidly changing broadcasting industry.
“Participants will have the chance to gain insights into emerging broadcasting trends, media resilience, AI-driven transformation, public service media and regional collaboration,” he added.
ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem described the General Assembly and Associated Meetings as the organization’s major annual event, noting that this was the first time Sri Lanka had hosted it and the first occasion on which a private broadcaster had served as host.
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ABU connects 225 member organizations across 66 countries, reaching more than half the world’s population. It serves as a platform for cooperation, knowledge-sharing and development across the broadcasting industry.
A major highlight of the program will be the 15th ABU Song Festival, scheduled for November 2 at Stein Studios in Ratmalana. The festival will feature performers representing 10 countries, celebrating the region’s musical diversity, cultures, languages and traditions.
The program will conclude with an excursion to the southern coastal destinations of Galle and Bentota, showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions and hospitality.
The event is supported by several government institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., Sri Lanka Police, Colombo Municipal Council and Ruhunu Tourist Bureau.
-ENCL
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.