Artificial Intelligence and the Creative Industries: Challenges and Opportunities in Sri Lankan Journalism

Abstract

The rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative Al, has raised important questions about the nature and scope of intellectual property rights, especially copyright, and its implications for the future of journalism. The ability of autonomous artificial intelligence systems to create literary, artistic, and journalistic works that closely resemble or match human-created content presents an unprecedented challenge to existing global copyright regimes. This article examines the complex relationships between artificial intelligence, copyright law, and the digital media landscape in Sri Lanka. In particular, it investigates how the concepts of "authorship," "originality," and "work" under the 2003 Act apply or fail to apply to Al-generated news and creative content. The article further compares Sri Lanka's approaches adopted in the United Kingdom and the United States, in order to identify gaps and reform pathways. It argues that Sri Lanka must be proactive in addressing both the challenges and opportunities presented by Al-generated works, while promoting innovation in media practices and protecting the interests of human creations. The article concludes that copyright law requires reform to remain relevant in the era of Al-driven journalism and offers recommendations.