The Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, hosted its monthly guest lecture on the 2nd of February 2026 at the Social Sciences Faculty Auditorium.

The guest lecture was delivered by Dr Ayesha Ashfaq, Chairperson of the Department of Development Communication, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, a scholar from a world-class university with extensive expertise in digital communication and youth studies.

The session, titled ‘Digital Resilience: How Youth Can Reclaim Online Narratives,’ explored the critical intersections of social media, child safety, digital vulnerability, and youth empowerment in the contemporary digital landscape.

The event was organised by the Communication and Media Research Unit of the Department of Mass Communication, with the participation of Dr Manoj Jinadasa, Head of the Department, and Dr Achala Abeykoon, Coordinator of the Research Unit.

Academic staff members including Lecturer Ayesh Wijesinghe, Lectuter (Probationary) Dasini Madurasinghe, Assistant Lecturer Sudesh Abeynayake, Assistant Lecturer Janani Pramodya, Assistant Lecturer Hansika  Seuwandi, and Assistant Lecturer Nipuni Bagya from the Department of Mass Communication also participated in the event. In addition, Professor Chaminda Abeysinghe and Professor Chandima Bogahawatte from the Departments of International Studies and Archaeology were present. A large number of undergraduate students of the Department of Mass Communication, along with students from other departments, attended the lecture, contributing to a lively and engaging academic discussion.