Sri Lanka is hosting the 63rd Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) General Assembly and Associated Meetings in Colombo, bringing together more than 350 broadcasters, media leaders, industry experts and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The five-day event, taking place from October 30 to November 3 at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, is hosted by the Maharaja Media Network with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the General Assembly.

The event marks the first time Sri Lanka has hosted the ABU General Assembly and the first occasion on which a private broadcaster has served as host.

The gathering is being held under the theme “Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust and Transformation.”

Maharaja Media Network Group Director Chevaan Daniel said hosting the event provides an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka internationally.

“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,” he said.

ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem welcomed Sri Lanka’s role as host, describing the General Assembly as the organisation’s major annual event.

Discussions during the gathering will focus on emerging broadcasting trends, media resilience, artificial intelligence, public service media and regional cooperation.

As part of the programme, Stein Studios in Ratmalana will host the 15th ABU Song Festival on November 2, featuring performers from 10 Asia-Pacific nations.

Delegates will also visit Galle and Bentota as part of efforts to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism, culture and heritage.

Established in 1964 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ABU represents 225 organisations across 66 countries, reaching more than half of the world’s population.

The event is supported by several Sri Lankan government institutions, including the ministries responsible for foreign affairs and tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and other state agencies.