Found in 1973, the Department of Mass Communication of the University of Kelaniya takes the pride as the pioneering Mass Communication Department in Sri Lanka and hence it is at the verge of celebrating its 50th anniversary in the year 2023. It was established by renowned mass media academics in the country such as Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Professor M.B Ariyapala, Prof Wimal Dissanayake, Prof Sunanda Mehendra, Kalakirthi Edwin Ariyadasa, Dr W.D Amaradewa, Dr D.B Nihalsinghe .etc. During its nearly fifty years of history, the Department has produced an impressive number of recognized academics, media personnel, and other professionals in national and international levels.
At present, Department offers twelve (12) internal and external degree programs. These include BA (General and Special) degree programmes and external B.A (General) degree programme and the postgraduate programmes in the levels of Master of Arts (MA) (one year course work), Master of Social Sciences (Mssc) (Course work with research component two years), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The Department also takes pride as the first higher educational entity in the country to commence a degree program in Public Relations and Media Management which commenced from 2015.
Additionally, the Department offers a Higher Diploma in Communication and Public Relations (one year course). Two other diploma courses, Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management and Diploma in Mass Communication, are also offered by the Department to the public. All these degree programs and diploma courses offered by the Department are designed to cater the academic and professional requirements in the field of Communication, Public Relations and Media Studies.
The academic staff of the Department is composed of 20 academic staff members who are experts in different disciplines of communication studies. The Department also seeks the service of nearly fifteen visiting lecturers who are industry and subject experts in the fields of media and public relations.
Moreover, Center for Study of Media and Human Right and Communication Research Unit (CRU) have been established by the Department for the expansion of academic, research and professional domains in Communication and Media Studies. Additionally, the Department owns a fully-fledged audio-visual studio with laboratory opportunities to enhance the practical skills of the undergraduates. Communication Media Center of the University is also functioned by the Department.
