Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi is a Sri Lankan photojournalist, visual communication strategist, author, and media professional with more than four decades of experience in photography, journalism, and government communications. He currently serves as Director – International Media & Strategic Communications at the Presidential Media Division of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka, where he leads international media engagement, strategic communication, and visual governance initiatives.
He began his career in press photography in 1987 and later worked as a Reuters photojournalist, documenting armed conflict, political change, natural disasters, and major international events in Sri Lanka. Following his relocation to the United Kingdom, he pursued advanced studies in Photography and Digital Imaging at the Hugh Baird University Centre, Liverpool, and the University of Central Lancashire.
Anuruddha is the author of Global Photo Communication: Based on Sri Lankan Experiences, his first published book, which explores the evolution of visual communication through the lens of Sri Lankan photojournalism. He is currently leading research and publication projects on visual governance, state photography, digital crisis communication, and the impact of artificial intelligence on visual media. His work focuses on the intersection of photography, public communication, technology, and national visual heritage, with the aim of strengthening professional standards in visual communication and preserving the visual memory of the nation.
Your Opinion on Photojournalism
Photojournalism is far more than the act of recording events. It is a public responsibility to document history with accuracy, integrity, and humanity. A single photograph can preserve a decisive moment, challenge injustice, inspire compassion, or become part of a nation’s collective memory. For this reason, a photojournalist must remain an independent witness, committed to truth rather than influence or manipulation.
In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, social media, and digital misinformation, the value of authentic visual journalism has never been greater. Technology will continue to change the way images are created, distributed, and consumed, but the ethical responsibility of the photojournalist remains unchanged. Credibility is the foundation of public trust.
I believe the future of photojournalism lies not only in producing compelling images but also in preserving visual heritage, promoting visual literacy, and helping society understand the stories behind the photographs. Every image should contribute to a truthful historical record and deepen our understanding of the human experience.
The Asian Photojournalists Association (APA) is an independent professional organization dedicated to uniting photojournalists, visual storytellers, documentary photographers and media professionals from across Asia.
