The Media Fest 2026

Sri Lanka's media industry takes centre stage today as Media Fest 2026 unfolds at the Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra, Colombo, under the theme "Staying Relevant in a Changing World." Organised by the Sri Lanka India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA), the one-day event brings together journalists, editors, media executives, content creators, academics, and communication professionals from Sri Lanka and India to discuss the future of journalism in an era of rapid technological and digital transformation.

The festival features an impressive line-up of internationally respected media leaders, including Smita Prakash, Chief Editor and Deputy CEO of Asian News International (ANI); Ashok Malik, Partner at The Asia Group and noted policy commentator; and Marya Shakil, Managing Editor at India Today. Through keynote addresses and panel discussions, they will explore issues such as AI in journalism, audience engagement, misinformation, fact-checking, digital transformation, media sustainability, and the evolving news ecosystem.

Running from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Media Fest 2026 highlights the growing importance of collaboration between Sri Lankan and Indian media while reinforcing journalism's core values of accuracy, trust, independence, verification, and public interest. The event serves as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and strengthening regional media partnerships as the industry adapts to a rapidly changing global landscape.