Sri Lankan media executive Chevaan Daniel has been elected Vice-President of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), marking a historic first for the nation in the international broadcasting sphere.
The election took place on November 2, 2026, during the ABU’s 63rd General Assembly held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This significant appointment makes Daniel the first Sri Lankan to hold a Vice-Presidential role within the ABU since its establishment in 1964. His nomination was put forward by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and seconded by Japan’s national public broadcaster, NHK, underscoring broad regional support.
The 63rd ABU General Assembly and Associated Meetings, which ran from October 30 to November 3, 2026, was hosted by the Maharaja Media Network, part of the Capital Maharaja Group. This event itself was a notable milestone for Sri Lanka, as it marked the first time the country has hosted the ABU General Assembly, and the first occasion a private broadcaster served as host.
A Landmark Gathering in Colombo
The week-long assembly in Colombo brought together over 350 broadcasters, media leaders, industry experts, and policymakers from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Discussions focused on pressing issues facing the global media landscape, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and the vital role of media in fostering public trust.
The event was inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on November 1, with the theme “Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust and Transformation.” The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau provided substantial sponsorship of Rs. 104.6 million for the assembly and related activities. This investment was aimed at leveraging the presence of leading international media figures to promote Sri Lanka as a tourism destination and enhance its nation branding.
Cultural elements were also integrated into the assembly, with the 15th ABU Song Festival held on November 2 at Stein Studios in Ratmalana, featuring performers from ten Asia-Pacific nations. Delegates also had the opportunity to visit locations such as Galle and Bentota, further showcasing Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage.
Chevaan Daniel’s Extensive Background
Chevaan Daniel serves as the Group Director of the Capital Maharaja Group, a prominent diversified conglomerate in Sri Lanka, and leads its extensive Maharaja Media Network. His career spans nearly three decades, beginning in journalism and broadcasting before moving into senior media and corporate leadership roles.
Born on May 11, 1978, Daniel’s early career saw him as a television news anchor. He was instrumental in launching some of Sri Lanka’s pioneering tech ventures in the late 1990s, including eezee2.com, the nation’s first classified advertisement website in 1998, and Sri Lanka’s inaugural SMS news alert service in 2000. His international experience includes work with NBC News in New York.
Daniel is also widely recognized for his humanitarian work and leadership. He spearheads the ‘Gammadda Movement’, a large-scale community-driven initiative in Sri Lanka dedicated to rural development. This movement, which began in 2009, addresses critical development needs in rural areas through public participation and partnerships, reflecting Daniel’s focus on bridging the urban-rural divide and tackling inequality.
Throughout his career, Daniel has received several accolades, including being named one of Sri Lanka’s “40 Under 40 outstanding Young Business Leaders” twice and receiving the Junior Chamber ‘Most outstanding young person of the year’ award in 2008. He is also a Fulbright Scholar, an Eisenhower Global Fellow, and an Asia 21 Fellow, highlighting his engagement in international leadership and humanitarian efforts.
The ABU’s Role in Global Broadcasting
Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union is recognized as the world’s largest broadcasting union. It represents approximately 225 media organizations across 66 countries, playing a crucial role in facilitating cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration within the broadcasting community. The ABU’s mission includes advancing media development, technological innovation, and professional standards across its diverse membership, which collectively reaches more than half of the world’s population.
Chevaan Daniel’s election to the Vice-Presidency signals an elevated role for Sri Lanka within this influential international body, potentially opening new avenues for collaboration and further showcasing the nation’s media industry on a global stage.
