Sri Lanka faces a medium to high overall disaster risk and ranked 31st globally on the INFORM Risk Index and is highly vulnerable to annual monsoon floods, landslides, cyclones and droughts. Increased urbanization and infrastructure development in high-risk zones such as floodplains and coastal regions have escalated the country’s vulnerability. Frequently ranked among the top countries vulnerable to extreme weather, over 80 & of Sri Lanka’s population remains vulnerable to climate change impacts.
the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) is convening an expert discussion on crisis reporting titled “Frontlines of Truth: Reporting in Times of Crisis” on 30 January 2026, from 9.00 am to 11.30 am at the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI).
Two featured speakers, Rajneesh Bhandari, a multimedia journalist of international repute and Founder/Chief Editor of the Nepal Investigative Multimedia Journalism Network (NIMJN) and Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa, a globally- renowned expert on information disorder, new media literacy and digital security will share insights and highlight the need for professional disaster journalism that prioritizes public safety and crisis communications.
A panel discussion will follow the expert presentations.



