A delegation from the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) visited the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) recently. The delegation which comprised Ahmad Zahir, President MJA, Ali Shamaan, Vice President and Midhath Adam, Treasurer, exchanged views and suggestions on topics of interest with the CEO of SLPI, Imran Furkan, Act. CEO of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL), Kamal Liyanarachhi, Director of the Sri Lanka College of Journalism, Anuradha Herath and the Tamil Complaints Officer of the PCCSL, Ameen Hussain on media freedom, training of new and mid-career Journalists as well as implementing a self-regulation regime for the Maldives.
The Maldives Journalist Association was formed in 2009 to advocate for the rights and protection of journalists as well as promoting cooperation and professionalism among journalists and to work towards establishing free and independent journalism in the Maldives. It has over 100 members and the MJA is also affiliated to the International Federation of Journalists.
The SLPI and PCCSL have agreed to consider a request from the MJA to assist them with technical assistance in setting up a Press Complaints Commission as well as assisting them in finding new donors for various projects.
The MJA has also requested that the Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ) to provide part scholarships to Maldivian Students to study at the SLCJ considering the high standards maintained by the College and the need to increase professionalism in new entrants to the Maldivian media industry.
The SLPI agreed to explore the possibility of procuring the services of Sri Lankan and international experts to conduct short workshops for mid-career Maldivian Journalists to further increase the professionalism of Maldivian journalists already in the media industry.
