Civil Society and Media Convene for Transitional Justice in Negombo.

In a significant step toward national healing, the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO) concluded a two-day strategic dialogue this past weekend, aimed at reshaping the role of media in Sri Lanka’s transitional justice process.

The program, held from March 14–15 at NAFSO’s headquarters in Negombo, brought together a diverse collective of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media professionals under the banner of the People to People Dialogue (PPD).

The core objective of the two-day workshop was the development of a “people-centered media strategy.” Participants discussed how current information flows often deepen existing fractures along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. The new strategy aims to:
Bridge the Gap: Create content that fosters understanding between divided groups.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure gender and sustainable developments perspectives are represented fairly in the national narrative.
Facilitate Justice: Use media as a tool for transitional justice rather than a platform for polarization.

The sessions were guided by a panel of activists and intellectuals whose field experiences and publications have long championed social justice in Sri Lanka.

NAFSO Convener Herman Kumara Wijethunge, Roy Rodrigo, Sydney Marcus Dias, Prasad Poornimal Jayamanna, Suba Shini, and Kamal Siriwardana played a leading role in the program, fostering a highly insightful and interactive dialogue based on their field experiences to build group consciousness and commitment.

Finally, the group decided on how to widely disseminate the idea of building a social change; specifically, creating a people-centered media culture that respects pluralism and promotes humanity through long-lasting peace.