A meeting was held today (16 December) at the Ministry of Mass Media between a French Embassy delegation, led by French Senator Hon. Samantha Cazabonne, and the Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Hon. Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne.
The discussion commenced with an exchange of views on the current situation in Sri Lanka and the key challenges facing the country. Particular attention was given to issues related to gender and media, with a focus on online harassment and violence in digital spaces.
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding children’s use of social media to prevent harm to children, recognizing this as a growing global trend. The discussion emphasized the importance of collective and positive engagement to ensure the safe and constructive use of digital technologies among children.
During the discussion, Senator Hon. Samantha Cazabonne underscored the importance of women’s participation in politics. In response, the Deputy Minister noted that women’s representation in the Sri Lankan Parliament has increased from 12 to 22 members. It was emphasized that this progress should be strengthened both quantitatively and qualitatively, highlighting the need to further empower women through capacity-building initiatives to meaningful and active political participation.
The meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment of Sri Lanka and France to strengthening cooperation in the areas of media development, gender equality, and digital safety, and to continuing dialogue and collaboration in these priority areas.
The delegation also comprised Mr. H.E. Rémi Lambert, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka; Mr. Matthieu John, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France in Colombo; Ms. Olivia Bellemere, Counsellor for Cooperation and Culture at the Embassy of France in Colombo; Ms. Maéline Crepin, Intern at the Political Chancellery of the Embassy of France in Colombo; and Ms. Dinusha Ileperuma, Press Attaché and Translator at the Embassy of France in Colombo.
