Two groups of Sri Lankan journalists and media professionals successfully completed week-long Specialized Training Programmes on Media Management at the Dr. MCR Human Resource Development Institute of Telangana (MCRHRD), Hyderabad, India. The first batch of 30 participants attended the programme from 26–31 January 2026, and the second batch of 30 participants from 16–21 February 2026. Both programmes focused on strengthening professional competencies and equipping participants with advanced skills across print, electronic, digital, and social media within an evolving global media landscape.
Organised by the Government of India, the programmes aimed to familiarise participants with the latest developments in media technology, newsroom transformation, governance communication, and ethical journalism. The participants included representatives from most of the major media institutions in Sri Lanka, across print, broadcast and digital media. MCRHRD is widely recognised as a premier training institution dedicated to leadership development, governance training, and professional excellence, with a strong reputation for addressing contemporary communication challenges and emerging technological trends shaping public discourse.
Both batches underwent an immersive and participatory learning experience through expert-led lectures, interactive discussions, group exercises, presentations, and exposure visits. Sessions were designed to ensure participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical, actionable skills. Key thematic areas included maximizing human potential through behavioural competencies; new and emerging technologies in media, including Artificial Intelligence; digital transition and data-based reporting; tackling mis/disinformation and propaganda; social media in good governance; cinematography for journalists; building trust between media and public relations; communication challenges in crisis management; and professional protocols and interview preparedness.
As part of the experiential learning component, participants from both batches undertook curated cultural visits across Hyderabad and its surrounding regions. The delegation also explored the iconic Charminar in the historic Old City and toured T-Hub, India’s leading innovation hub, gaining insights into the country’s dynamic start-up ecosystem. These visits provided participants with a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage, innovation landscape, and democratic traditions, as well as allowed them to explore the region’s significant Buddhist heritage.
The programmes were conducted under the enhanced capacity-building framework announced by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. Under this initiative, 700 additional customized training slots annually have been allocated for Sri Lankan professionals over and above existing schemes such as Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). With approximately 300 Sri Lankan civil service officers receiving annual training under the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration, India’s expanded capacity-building partnership now benefits nearly 1,000 Sri Lankans each year.
The programmes were widely regarded as timely, relevant, and transformative, equipping media professionals to respond effectively to digital transformation, AI integration and crisis communication in today’s fast-evolving information ecosystem.
