Media regulation debate grows as Nalinda Jayatissa says self-regulation, AI responsibility and media freedom must shape Sri Lanka’s policy.
Media regulation should be driven through self-regulation by journalists and social media activists rather than strict government control, Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.
The Minister made the remarks while attending the High-Level Ministerial Session of the 21st Asia Media Summit (AMS 2026) held in Malé, Maldives.
Speaking at the discussion under the theme “Maldives 2.0: From Tradition to Tech,” Dr. Jayatissa said self-regulation through the active involvement of journalists and digital media users is a more democratic and successful approach than controlling the media through harsh rules imposed by the state.
He also said modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are a natural result of human evolution and should not be viewed with fear.
Instead, he stressed that such technologies must be accepted responsibly, while respecting human rights and existing legal frameworks.
Dr. Jayatissa also briefed the international community on the progress of Sri Lanka’s new national media policy.
He said the policy will be built on three main pillars: strengthening media freedom, protecting personal privacy and dignity in the digital age, and improving professionalism through the establishment of a chartered institution for journalists.
Commenting on the relationship between traditional media and digital media, the Minister said the two sectors should not act as rivals.
Instead, he said they must work as partners in the dissemination of truthful, responsible and public-focused news.
Dr. Jayatissa added that Sri Lanka remains committed to building a strong, future-ready media system dedicated to public welfare, in cooperation with regional partners.
The Ministerial Session was attended by several regional leaders and high-level representatives.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister of Bangladesh, the State Secretary for Social Communication of the Government of Timor-Leste, and Maldives Minister of Information and Arts Ibrahim Isham also addressed the session.
BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey and SAARC Secretary General Md. Golam Sarwar also attended the special session.
The 21st Asia Media Summit, which began on the 11th at Villa Nautica in the Maldives, will continue until tomorrow (14).
A large number of policymakers, heads of media institutions, media professionals, communication researchers and observers representing several Asian countries are participating in the summit.
