The 12th Global Video Media Forum (VMF) opened in Quanzhou City of east China’s Fujian Province on Dec. 03, gathering around 200 representatives of 87 media organizations from more than 60 countries and regions.
As a partner organization of CCTV + that handles the srilankachinahotline.com, the editors of ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ also attended the VMF 2024.
Hosted by the CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+) under the theme “Intelligence Without Frontiers, Vision Beyond The Horizon — Media’s Role in Communication and Cultural Exchange,” the two-day forum aims to hold in-depth discussions on the application and governance of artificial intelligence technologies in the media sector, establish new exchange platforms based on intelligent communication, and jointly create a bright future for the digital civilization of Global South countries.
Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, Shen Haixiong, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the China Media Group (CMG), said that the media, as a bridge and link for cultural exchanges, not only witnesses the progress and development of the times, but also records and portrays the stories of exchanges among people of various countries.
Shen said the CMG stands ready to leverage its sci-tech and communication strengths as a world-class mainstream media outlet and jointly build a bridge for global exchange, cooperation, and shared prosperity for all. He said the CMG will work to open up new prospects for media cooperation, raise the voice of the Global South, and work hand in hand with like-minded peers and colleagues, to contribute to the endeavor of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The forum also saw the release of the Joint Initiative for Media Dialogue and Cooperation of Global South. Jointly proposed by the CMG, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, the Arab States Broadcasting Union, the African Union of Broadcasting, and the Latin American News Alliance, the initiative aims to build a “Global South” narrative system and amplify the voices of its media, foster mutual learning and exchanges to drive the shared prosperity of Global South civilizations, and fulfill media responsibilities by advocating justice for the Global South on the global stage.
At a special dialogue session, media leaders from various countries and organizations put forward their perspectives on how to better tell the stories of the Global South. Speaking during the session, chief editor of ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ – Mr. Kelum Shivantha said : “For countries in the Global South, including Sri Lanka, China is not just a powerful economic partner; it is a force that has redefined our approach to international relations, trade, and development.”
In addition, media professionals also explored the rich cultural heritage of Quanzhou, which is known as an historic trading port as well as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is considering a 25 to 35 percent electricity tariff increase, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging Sri Lanka to implement revised rates.
CEB sources confirmed that the proposed hikes align with a pricing formula agreed upon by the CEB and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
The new rates will require PUCSL approval before implementation.
Amid ongoing discussions, CEB Chairman Tilak Siyambalapitiya has resigned, reportedly due to political and regulatory interference in setting cost-reflective tariffs. Earlier this year, the PUCSL approved a 20 percent tariff reduction against the CEB’s advice, leading to renewed financial losses.
A senior CEB official revealed that after January’s reduction, losses began rising again.
In 2023 and 2024, tariff hikes had helped the CEB post profits of Rs. 61 billion and Rs. 141 billion, respectively, reducing accumulated losses from Rs. 473 billion to Rs. 271 billion. However, losses have climbed since February.
The IMF had set two key conditions: cost-reflective pricing and an automatic 10 percent hike if monthly cash flow falls below Rs. 15 billion.
The official noted that without January’s reduction, a 5 percent increase would have been needed in Q2.
The IMF has warned Sri Lanka twice in recent weeks for breaching cost-recovery benchmarks, raising fiscal risks.
A scheduled April tariff revision was skipped, with authorities offering unclear explanations.
The proposed hike aims to stabilize CEB’s finances while meeting IMF demands for sustainable energy pricing.
Four names have been proposed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fill two vacancies in the Court of Appeal (CA).
Chief Justice Murdu Fernando has proposed the names of High Court Judges Frank Gunawardena, Adithya Kumara Patabendi and Nawaratne Marasinghe on two occasions. Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, meanwhile, has proposed the name of Deputy Solicitor General Riyaz Bary.
The President is due to send two of the four names to the Constitutional Council for approval.
Two further vacancies are due to occur in the CA next month with the retirement of CA President Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Acting CA President Mohammed Laffar upon reaching 63 years of age. Justice Karunaratne is currently on pre-retirement leave and is due to retire on June 16, while Justice Laffar is set to retire on June 18.
The Judicial Service Commission has also recruited 50 judicial officers to fill existing vacancies in the magistrate courts. Forty-six of the newly recruited judicial officers will be appointed as magistrates, while the remaining four will be appointed as presidents of labour tribunals.
Meanwhile, four vacancies exist for the Additional Solicitor General positions at the Attorney General’s Department. Senior Deputy Solicitor Generals Hiranjan Peiris, Azad Nawawi, Lakmali Karunanayake and Sudarshana De Silva are expected to be appointed to fill these vacancies.
(sundaytimes.lk) (This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
Police have launched an investigation to arrest the popular tutor Hyeshika Fernando, also known as ‘Teacher Amma’, for allegedly assaulting a young man.
It is reported that Hayeshika Fernando had kicked the young man’s testicles, after which he was admitted to the Negombo Hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, Hyeshika Fernando had fled the area, but her husband and her manager had been taken into custody by the Katana Police.
After being produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, the two suspects were ordered to be remanded until May 14.
The Magistrate has also instructed the Katana Police to carry out further investigations and to arrest and produce in court the main suspect in the case — the tutor Hyeshika Fernando, popularly known as ‘Teacher Amma’.
(adaderana.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
