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.
Police have announced a special traffic plan that will be implemented in Borella today (July 07) due to an event marking the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Priesthood of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.
The event is expected to draw a large number of invited guests, including religious dignitaries, government officials, and members of the clergy.
To ease congestion, heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering the stretch between Kynsey Road junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda junction on Ward Place between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm within the Borella Police Division.
Police have requested motorists to use alternate routes during this time.
Senior civil servant and distinguished public administrator Bradman Weerakoon has passed away at the age of 94.
Mr. Weerakoon was educated at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, and St. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, before entering the University of Peradeniya, where he graduated with honours in Economics and Sociology.
He later earned a Master’s Degree (MA) in Sociology from the University of Michigan, USA, on a Fulbright Scholarship.
He joined the Ceylon Civil Service in 1954 and served in various parts of the country before becoming secretary to the then Prime Minister – Sir John Kotelawala.
Over an extraordinary career, he went on to serve as Secretary to all elected Prime Ministers and Presidents until 2002, working under 07 Prime Ministers and 03 Presidents – an unparalleled contribution to Sri Lanka’s public administration.
The Department of Railways has announced amendments to train schedules on the Northern Line in response to public requests.
Due to high demand, the Intercity Express train, which previously operated only on weekends, will now run daily between Mt. Lavinia and Kankesanthurai starting today (July 07).
In addition, the departure time of the “Yaal Devi” train plying daily from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai has been revised from 5.45 am to 6.40 am.
The Department has advised passengers who made advance seat reservations for the “Yaal Devi” train a month ago, to note the new departure time.
