The Sectoral Forum established under the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, together with the establishment of a Sub-Sectoral Forum for the Mass Media sector and a capacity development programme for its members, was held on 14 August 2026 at the NH Collection Hotel, Colombo.

The programme was organized by officers of the Public Service Reforms and Planning Division of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, under the leadership of Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Division. The programme is being implemented with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

How are Sectoral Forums organized?

Lectures were conducted for government officials on the following topics: Clarification of the governance structure and responsibilities

Governance structures within the social dialogue system, roles of members, and effective coordination The process of negotiation and collective bargaining

Cooperation and skills for preventing disputes Collaborative problem-solving, prevention of complaints, and dispute resolution

The objective of the programme is to increase productivity through social dialogue, workplace cooperation, and dispute prevention, thereby creating a high-quality and excellent public service.

The event was attended by Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Service Reforms and Planning), Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ms. Deepa Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Administration), Ministry of Health and Mass Media; Mr. Ruwan Sathkumara, Postmaster General; and Mr. R.A.P.K. Jayaratne, Government Printer.

A number of government officials also participated, including resource persons Mr. Upali Athukorala, Dr. Maringa Sumanadasa, Ms. Perly Weerasinghe, and Professor M. Thilakasiri.