Experts convene to Colombo to discuss hate speech law reforms

A workshop titled “A Pathway to Reform: Examining Hate Speech Laws in Sri Lanka” was recently held at the Mandarin Hotel in Colombo, bringing together legal experts, academics, and stakeholders. 

Organized by the Media Law Forum, the event aimed to facilitate dialogue and collaboration on policy reforms to combat hate speech in society.

Chaired by Hezekiel Dlamini, Adviser on Communication and Information at UNESCO’s New Delhi Office, the workshop featured an in-depth review of the proposed hate speech reform document.

It also highlighted global experiences and UNESCO’s initiatives to tackle hate speech through media policy.

Dr. Thusitha Abeysekara, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Law at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, provided an analysis of comparative hate speech legislation. The event also included a panel discussion moderated by President of the Media Law Forum Attorney-at-Law Viranjana Herath.