Two groups of Sri Lankan journalists and media professionals successfully completed week-long Specialized Training Programmes on Media Management at the Dr. MCR Human Resource Development Institute of Telangana (MCRHRD), Hyderabad, India, recently. 

According to the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, the first batch of 30 participants attended the programme from 26–31 January 2026, and the second batch of 30 participants from 16–21 February 2026. 

Both programmes focused on strengthening professional competencies and equipping participants with advanced skills across print, electronic, digital, and social media within an evolving global media landscape.

Organised by the Government of India, the programmes aimed to familiarise participants with the latest developments in media technology, newsroom transformation, governance communication, and ethical journalism. The participants included representatives from most of the major media institutions in Sri Lanka, across print, broadcast and digital media. 

MCRHRD is widely recognised as a premier training institution dedicated to leadership development, governance training, and professional excellence, with a strong reputation for addressing contemporary communication challenges and emerging technological trends shaping public discourse.

Both batches underwent an immersive and participatory learning experience through expert-led lectures, interactive discussions, group exercises, presentations, and exposure visits. Sessions were designed to ensure participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical, actionable skills. Key thematic areas included maximizing human potential through behavioural competencies; new and emerging technologies in media, including Artificial Intelligence; digital transition and data-based reporting; tackling mis/disinformation and propaganda; social media in good governance; cinematography for journalists; building trust between media and public relations; communication challenges in crisis management; and professional protocols and interview preparedness.

As part of the experiential learning component, participants from both batches undertook curated cultural visits across Hyderabad and its surrounding regions. The delegation also explored the iconic Charminar in the historic Old City and toured T-Hub, India’s leading innovation hub, gaining insights into the country’s dynamic start-up ecosystem. These visits provided participants with a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage, innovation landscape, and democratic traditions, as well as allowed them to explore the region’s significant Buddhist heritage.

The programmes were conducted under the enhanced capacity-building framework announced by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. Under this initiative, 700 additional customized training slots annually have been allocated for Sri Lankan professionals over and above existing schemes such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). With approximately 300 Sri Lankan civil service officers receiving annual training under the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration, India’s expanded capacity-building partnership now benefits nearly 1,000 Sri Lankans each year.

The programmes were widely regarded as timely, relevant, and transformative, equipping media professionals to respond effectively to digital transformation, AI integration and crisis communication in today’s fast-evolving information ecosystem. (Newswire)

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The Director General of the Department of Government Information has written to the heads of media institutions, calling for timely payment of remuneration to provincial journalists.

In a statement, DG H. S. K. J. Bandara said that during workshops conducted by the department across several districts, journalists repeatedly raised concerns about delays in receiving payments for their coverage.

Highlighting the issue, Bandara urged media institutions to extend their support in resolving the matter and ensure fair and timely compensation for provincial correspondents. (Newswire)

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SriLankan Airlines, together with the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, recently hosted a group of Sri Lankan journalists on a familiarisation (FAM) tour of Malaysia, aimed at strengthening travel and tourism ties between the two countries. 

The tour serves to reinforce why Malaysia has long remained a favourite holiday destination among Sri Lankans, popular for its affordability, family-friendly attractions and great shopping. It also highlights SriLankan Airlines as the preferred choice of travel, with twice-daily flights to Kuala Lumpur offering travellers convenience and flexibility beyond compare. 

According to a SriLankan Airlines statement, a Malaysian holiday is every traveller’s dream, with back-to-back experiences across cities such as Putrajaya, Melaka, Genting and Kuala Lumpur, offering a range of attractions, fun activities, entertainment and endless opportunities for shopping, from premium to value brands. Holidaymakers can get a bird’s-eye view of the city through sightseeing tours and cruises; visit places such as Genting Highlands and Batu Caves; explore temples and historic landmarks including the King’s Palace and Porta de Santiago; immerse themselves in the vibrant night markets of Jonker Street; and enjoy some serious retail therapy at various precincts and malls, including Malaysia’s largest, IOI City Mall. 

Malaysia is also rapidly gaining ground among Sri Lankan students pursuing higher studies. Whether it is for a short getaway, shopping or as a pathway to one’s dream career, this Southeast Asian country offers a lifetime of memories for any visitor through first-hand experiences of its cultural heritage; traditional cuisine; modern and historical attractions; and warm hospitality. 

SriLankan Airlines further stated that the journalists who toured the country are back in Sri Lanka, inspired and eager to share their incredible journey with their fellow Sri Lankans.

This initiative is expected to bolster tourism between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange. By experiencing the diverse offerings of Malaysia, Sri Lankan visitors can develop a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage and contemporary attractions, thus encouraging more frequent travel between the two nations, it added. (Newswire)

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