𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚

The Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) has initiated discussions on electoral integrity and the role of various stakeholders in protecting democracy in Sri Lanka. The discussion series is organized to improve the reporting skills on elections among journalists and to create awareness among citizens on the need for active citizenship to defend democracy, taking special note that 2024 will prove a politically decisive year with multiple elections being held. 

The second of the four-session series will focus on the role of the media in protecting electoral integrity.

An eminent panel of speakers will join the discussion scheduled for March 6, 2024, from 3-5 pm at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI). 

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Her Excellency Bonnie Horbach will address the gathering at the commencement.

Speakers:

• Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya

Advisor -Asia Pacific

International Media Support (IMS)

Advisor – Factum

• Asoka Dias

Director MTV/ MBC

MTV Channel Pvt Ltd

MBC Networks Pvt Ltd

• Jamila Husain

Editor in Chief

Daily Mirror

• Harshana Silva

Lead Fact-Checker

Specialist – Countering Disinformation

Hashtag Generation

The discussion will be moderated by Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES).

The forthcoming elections are likely to intensify political rivalries, further dividing the population along political and ethno-religious lines. Election disinformation and hate narratives are likely to get amplified with the potential use of Artificial Intelligence and political operatives. Concerns over bribery, corruption, election delays, lack of transparency and accountability, debt traps and an electoral system that had failed to serve the public are likely to be the key topics, reflecting people’s disenchantment with the political class. 

The first session of the discussion series titled “Making Elections Work for the People – Role of Civil Society” was held on 6 February 2024.

A limited number of seats are available for interested journalists. Please register using the link provided below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4yf5GLV7naEniPqL_n1-TzxQBcozKMto1T8nHAVMecu5GFw/viewform?usp=sf_link

The slots will be filled on a first come first serve basis and CIR will inform via email personally on joining the event.

The discussion series on electoral integrity is supported by the Netherlands Embassy in Colombo.