Embargoed until 6 a.m. on 1st November 2026
63rd Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union General Assembly Sri Lanka 2026
Firmly Placing Sri Lanka on the Global Conference Map
Colombo will welcome one of the world’s most iconic and consequential media summits this weekend, with the 2026 ABU General Assembly & Associated Meetings all set to take place at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, hosted by The Maharaja Media Network and supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
“We are delighted to take Sri Lanka to the world as the host broadcaster for the 63rd ABU General Assembly. A gathering of industry leaders of the world’s largest media union is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase beautiful Sri Lanka” – Chevaan Daniel, Group Director, Maharaja Media Network / Capital Maharaja Group.
“This event creates an engaging forum for media professionals to exchange ideas, foster collaboration and drive innovation in the rapidly changing broadcasting industry. Participants will have the chance to gain insights into emerging broadcasting trends, media resilience, AI-driven transformation, public service media and regional collaboration” – Zhou Jihong, Vice President of ABU, and Director-General of the International Co-operation Department, NRTA/RTPRC, China.
The Opening Ceremony of the General Assembly will be graced by HE President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. More than 350 broadcasters, media leaders, industry experts, policymakers and partners from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond are gathering for the event, on the theme of ‘Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust and Transformation’, from 30th October to 3rd November 2026.
“The General Assembly and Associated Meetings is the ABU’s major event for the year. We are indeed very pleased to have Sri Lanka as the host nation for the very first time. This is also the first time that a private broadcaster is the host” – Ahmed Nadeem, Secretary-General of ABU.
Facts:
- Spanning half the globe and reaching more than 50% of the world’s population.
- The ABU connects 225 organizations across 66 countries.
- Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ABU serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and industry development.
As part of the 5-day event, Stein Studios in Ratmalana will host the 15th ABU Song Festival on 2nd November, bringing together performers representing ten nations from across the Asia-Pacific in a celebration of diverse musical styles, culture, languages and traditions.
The event will culminate with an excursion to two of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned resorts – Galle and Bentota – which will further showcase Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage and hospitality.
The event is supported by many departments of the Government of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Department of Immigration & Emigration, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd, Sri Lanka Police, the Colombo Municipal Council and the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau.
At eLanka, we respect the rights of creators. If we have used an image you own and you’d like it removed, please email us at info@elanka.com.au and we’ll handle it promptly.
Thanks.
eLanka team
eLanka Disclaimer
Content published on eLanka may be created by the eLanka team, submitted by contributors or third parties, reproduced or adapted from other sources with appropriate source acknowledgement, or provided as promotional/advertising material by our clients. While eLanka takes reasonable care in preparing and publishing content, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Views expressed are those of the respective authors or contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of eLanka. Third-party contributors, content providers and advertisers are responsible for the accuracy of material they supply and for ensuring they hold the necessary rights and permissions for its publication. Advertising and promotional content should not be regarded as an endorsement by eLanka of any product, service or claim.
