A symposium titled “Navigating the Changing Landscape of Media Regulations” was held for the first-year undergraduate students of Mass Communication Honors Degree program to increase awareness of the literacy of media laws as future professionals in the Sri Lanka Media Industry. This event was organized by the Center for Study of Media and Human Rights in the Department of Mass Communication, collaborating with the Media Law Forum in Sri Lanka. Four resource persons from the Media Law Forum conducted this symposium.
The first session was conducted by Mr. Shan Wijetunga, a senior journalist in Print and Electronic Media and the Former Director at the Sri Lanka College of Journalism. He discussed challenges in New and Social Media, emphasizing the importance of using mass media daily as undergraduate students.
Secondly, Mr. Kulasri Kariyawasam, another senior journalist in Print and Electronic Media, spoke about ethical concerns in New and Social Media by bringing out practical examples in the Sri Lankan context. Mr. Viranjan Herath, an attorney at Law and the Chairperson of Media Law Forum, conducted the third session, providing an in-depth analysis of Media Laws and emerging regulations impacting the freedom of speech.
The final session by Mr. Parbodha Rathnayake, an attorney at Law and the Director of Operation at Media Law Forum, focused on practical examples of freedom of expression violations, educating students on their role in improving media law literacy.
The symposium concluded with the closing remarks given by Probationary Lecturer Dasini I. Madurasinghe, Coordinator of the Center for Study of Media and Human Rights, Department of Mass Communication. The event provided valuable insights and knowledge for Mass Communication undergraduate students as they prepare for future roles in the dynamic Sri Lankan media landscape.
"Youth Camp" organized by the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the REACH Project with the aim of educate and raise awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Needs and Rights among students through a series of engaging and interactive activities was took place on March 24th, 2024, at the University of Kelaniya with the participation of the 150 students of the Department of Mass Communication.
The highlight of the event was an awareness session conducted by Dr. Naleen Wijesekera, a respected medical professional, which provided invaluable insights into SRH. Additionally, various activities such as speech and drama competitions, along with a cricket match, HIV testing and counseling were organized to further engage the students.
The 'Prof. Shelton Gunaratne Merit Scholarship' was awarded to students who achieved the highest marks in BA (Hons) in Mass Communication, namely D. M. C. Dilrukshi, M. D. Shashikala, and K. M. D. S. Kahaddawa, as well as in BA (Hons) in Public Relations and Media Management, A. R. H. Sewwandi, N. D. B. P. Bandara, and K. H. M. Silva. The scholarships were presented by Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya, on December 30, 2023, at the Board Room of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.
Sanjanani, "Ape Hendawa" was a captivating event that celebrated and showcased the exceptional talents of undergraduates of the Department of Mass Communication. This remarkable event took place on the 4th of October at the Dharmaloka Hall,University of Kelaniya. During the event, the audience was treated to a display of creativity, innovation, and artistry as the talented undergraduates demonstrated their skills and abilities.