Sri Lankan Church Marks 60th World Communications Day with Call for Responsible Digital Engagement

Catholics in Sri Lanka marked the 60th World Social Communications Day with a celebration highlighting responsible communication, human dignity, and the ethical use of digital technology in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

The observance was held under the patronage of Bishop Jude Nishantha Silva, chairman of the Catholic National Commission for Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka.

The main celebration, organized by the Kurunegala Diocesan Social Communication Council, took place on May 17 at St. Joseph’s Church in Kuliyapitiya, a town in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province within the Diocese of Kurunegala.

Bishop Jude Nishantha Silva was joined by National Director of Social Communications Fr. Jude Krishantha, Kurunegala Diocese Vicar General Fr. Piyal Nishantha, and Kurunegala Diocesan Director of Social Communications Fr. Naveen Lakshan.

The clergy were welcomed by parish priest Fr. Placidus and parishioners and escorted to the church amid traditional Sri Lankan cultural performances and ceremonial drums.

During the commemorative Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Jude Nishantha Silva reflected on Christ as the model communicator.

“Jesus was the divine communicator who proclaimed God’s message of love to the world,” the bishop said.

“Communication goes far beyond the exchange of information. It is an essential social process that uplifts human lives. On this 60th World Social Communications Day, let us become authentic communicators in society,” he added.

Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 60th World Social Communications Day, Bishop Silva emphasized the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital culture.

He urged Catholics to engage digital platforms responsibly and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to ensure that “the human voice and the human face” are preserved amid rapid technological development.

The bishop also stressed that human dignity must remain central across all forms of media communication.

Drawing from Christian discipleship, Bishop Silva said believers are called not only to read God’s Word but also to communicate it through daily life.

“The truest communication of the Gospel is not merely speaking about Christ’s commandment of love but living it through our actions,” he said.

Following Mass, participants marked the 60th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony.

Priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful from different parts of Sri Lanka attended the celebration.