Activities - 2019

  • Awareness Programme on 'Using Drugs and the Contribution of Media'

The Alcohol and Drugs Information Center (ADIC), Colombo conducted an awareness programme on 'Using Drugs and the Contribution of Media' at the Media Lab of Media Studies for the second year students on 10th of December 2019.

Mr. A.C. Raheem, Programme Officer, ADIC participated as a resource person and explained the expected role of media in creating public opinion against the utilization of drugs among the common people.

  • A Role Model for Community Outreach Activity

Ms. Lakshana Pakeerathan, a third year Media Studies student played a facilitator role to establish a rural library in a remote area 'Nallinakkapuram' (Village of Reconciliation) in Keerimalai - Maviddapuram as part of her project relevant to the subject of 'Development and Journalism'.

The opening ceremony of 'Seran Library' was held on 09th of December and the library was opened by Dr. Rajan Namasivayam, a Philanthropist from United Kingdom.

The Nallinakkapuram is a resettlement village where nearly 90 families settled down and it was declared open by President His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena in October 2016.

At the library opening, Rev. Fr. A.S. Sasikaran - Parish Priest of Nallinakkapuram, Mr. T. Jeyakaran - Grama Officer and Mr. Krishnakumar - Child Development Officer participated as special guests.

  • Workshop on ‘Designing and Layout of Magazines’

In order to provide practical exposure and training to the fourth year Special Degree students of Department of Media Studies to enhance their professional knowledge in ‘Designing and Layout of Magazines’ in relation to the subject of Magazine Journalism – Content and Design (ACMC 42053), a one day workshop on ‘Designing and Layout of Magazines’ was conducted on 9th of December 2019 at the Computer Laboratory, Faculty of Arts.

Mr. Selvarajah Rajendra, Layout Designer who is having professional experiences in ‘Puthuvithi’, ‘Kalaikathir’ and ‘Uthayan’ Newspapers, Jaffna participated as the resource person and shared his experiences and practical knowledge with the students.

  • The Release of 'Kanali 2019' Students' Magazine

'Kanali 2019', the students' magazine released by the Competent Authority of University of Jaffna Senior Professor K. Kanthasamy at the Library Auditorium of University of Jaffna.

'Kanali 2019' is a outcome of the subjects Reporting and Editing in the second year of Media Studies and compiled 56 articles, interviews, news features, travel stories and columns this time.

The releasing ceremony was held on 2nd of December 2019 and the first issue was handed over by Mr. Ratheyan, Senior Journalist and one of the pioneer in contemporary Tamil magazine journalism to the Competent Authority of University of Jaffna.

The ceremony was chaired by Dr.S. Raguram, Head, Department of Media Studies and Dr. K. Suthakar, Dean, Faculty of Arts participated as a Special Guest. The magazine was reviewed by Senior Professor K. Visakaruban, Department of Tamil and Mr.R.Rajeshkannan, Head / Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology. The welcome speech delivered by Ms. Luxana Baheerathan, Student, Media Studies, the note of guides made by Mr. Dinesh Koduthor and Mrs. Poongulaly Sankeerthanan, Lecturers, Department of Media Studies and the vote of thanks given by Mr. Sooriyakumar Suriyapathy, Student, Media Studies.

The staff of other departments, heads, senior journalists, alumni of media studies are graced this occasion by their presence.

  • Media Studies Students Participated in a Workshop on ‘Establishment of Healthy City’ for Journalists

Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Jaffna invited the Media Studies students for the workshop on ‘Establishment of Healthy City’ for Journalists which held on 03rd of December 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and Sri Lanka Medical Association at Valmpuri Hotel, Jaffna.

More than 30 second year students who are studying the course units of ‘Editing Concepts and Processes’ (ACMC 21033) and ‘Reporting Techniques and Skills’ (ACMC 21023) are benefited by the above workshop through the acquisition of the exposure and knowledge on the urgent needs of maintaining health condition of the Northern cities and how to utilize the effective journalism to upgrade the living standard of the residents.

  • Students Exhibit the Photographs in 'Jaffna Photography Festival 2019'

The photographs of Ms. Surenthiran Kirisha and Mr. Pirabakaran Dilakshan, two students of third year Media Studies and Mrs. T. Vijayatharsini, a pass out student are selected for the 'Jaffna Photography Festival 2019' to exhibit their photographs which organized by Jaffna Photography Society on 23rd to 25th November 2019 at 'Thanthai Chelva Auditorium', Central College, Jaffna.

Photographs from across the North-East displaying Tamil culture and the nation’s history of resistance and remembrance were showcased.

  • Iranian Cinema Festival at Department of Media Studies

With the collaboration of Iran Cultural Center, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sri Lanka, Department of Media Studies arranged 'Iran - Sri Lanka Friendship Cinema Festival 2019' and screened four award winning films at University of Jaffna, considered as another platform to enhance the cultural bond with the people of Iran.

The Festival was celebrated on 8th and 9th of November at Kailasapathy Auditorium in University of Jaffna as two sessions on both days Morning 10 to 12 and Evening 3 to 5 followed by discussions on the screened films.

At the first day, 'Ranna's Silence' and 'We Have a Guest' were screened and ' Coquetry' and 'Season of Narges' were screened in the second day.

The staffs, undergraduates, film appreciators from the local community and the school students were participated and experienced the remarkable richness of Iranian Cinema.

The festival was coordinated by Mr. Mostafa Sohrab, Iran Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the facilitation of Mr. Iranda Mahagamage.

  • Participation of staff and students in a workshop on ‘Fact Checking, Misinformation Monitoring and Investigating Disinformation in Journalism’ conducted by Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI)

The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) and Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ) along with ‘Internews’ organized a workshop on ‘Fact Checking, Misinformation Monitoring and Investigating Disinformation in Journalism’ and it was held on 1st and 2nd of November 2019 in Jaffna.

The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) has extended the invitation to Department of Media Studies along with inviting Professional Journalists from Northern Province for this workshop.

This workshop covered the impacts of the Fake News, identifying the Fake News in Social Media as its main areas of discussion and the workshop facilitates the students to learn the importance of fact checking in protecting the professional ethics in modern journalism.

  • Sharing Session on 'Fake News and New Trends of Social Media’ with Mr. Arun, Consultant Editor of ‘Newsline.lk’

Mr. Arun Arokianathan, Consultant Editor of ‘Newsline.lk’ and Former Editor in Chief of ‘Sudar Oli’ Tamil Daily participated in the ‘Sharing Session’ on ‘Fake News and New Trends of Social Media’ on 01st of November at Department of Media Studies.

The students of second, third and fourth years are actively involved in the above session and gathered exposure in using available technologies and channels in detecting fake news in social media platform.

    • Media Students Participated in the Workshop on 'STORY TELLERS 4 PEACE'

'International Youth Alliance For Peace' which the organization has been collaborating with a national and nongovernmental organization for the past 7 years dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of community issues and development from the eyes of the youth conducted a workshop on 'STORY TELLERS 4 PEACE' at American Corner, Jaffna for two days on 19th and 20th of October 2019, aims to lead for a documentation project with the support of 'Inter news Sri Lanka' to engage 30 young people from media field in three provinces , and tell HISTORY/TRADITION/CULTURE of the local regions.

20 students of second year and third year Media Studies acquired a notable practical exposure in producing stories through different formats : Article – Video – Audio Podcast – Photo through the participation in the above workshop and selected for the competition on the documentation of local HISTORY/TRADITION/CULTURE.

  • Media Studies Students Participated in the Workshop on 'Reporting Road Safety' conducted by Department of Community and Family Medicine, UoJ in collaboration with WHO

The second and third year students of Media participated in the workshop on ‘Reporting Road Safety’, organized by Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Jaffna in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and Sri Lanka Medical Association, held at Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna on 16th of October 2019.

The Opening Remarks given by Dr. Razia Pendse, WHO Representative to Sri Lanka and introduction to the workshop and an overview of road safety in Sri Lanka shared by Dr. Achala Jayatilleke, National Consultant, WHO Country Office for Sri Lanka .

Dr. Patanjali Dev Nayar, Consultant, Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Environmental Health (NDE), WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia discussed under the titles of 'Road Safety in SEAR - WHO Perspectives' and 'Role of Journalists in Promoting Road Safety'.

At the completion of the workshop, a WHO Publication 'Reporting Road Safety: A guide for Journalists' issued to the participants for future references.

  • Staff and Students Participated in the Workshop on 'Women in Journalism'

A group of 'Sri Lankan Chevening Alumnae' have formed a network to connect, empower, and develop the skills of Sri Lankan women journalists. Earlier this year, a group of Sri Lankan Chevening Alumnae, all with backgrounds in media, identified a series of challenges faced by young women working in the media sector through few conversations and one major brainstorming session later the idea for the Women in Journalism, Sri Lanka programme (WJSL) was born.

On par with the above, the first workshop for Tamil Journalists of Northern Province held in Jaffna on 12th of October 2019 and three staff members and two final year students of Media Studies participated.

The introduction was given by Chevening Alumni, Swasthika Arulingam and she explained the scholarships available to Sri Lankans in UK.

MR. Shihar Aneez, Head of the Reuters Bureau, conducts the sessions on 'Chasing a Story', ‘Fact Checking’ and 'Safety and Security'.

Ms. Dushika Soundararajan, Psychologist, conducts the session on 'Psycho-social well-being of Journalists'.

  • Sharing Session with Veteran Broadcaster Mr. V.N. Mathialagan

Mr. V.N. Mathialagan, Veteran Broadcaster and Former Deputy Director General, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) shared his 50 years of media experiences with the students and staff of Media Studies on 30th of August at Media Lab.

Mr. V.N. Mathialagan is a person who has served in Independent Television (ITN), Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and State Rupavahini Corporation in executive levels in Sri Lanka and later he worked with 'Tamil Vision Inc. (TVI), Canada nearly for 15 years.

Addition to his own experiences, Mr. V.N. Mathialagan explained the expected role for fair journalism and the ways to maintain professional standard in the field of media to the younger generation.

The session continued for more than three hours with the enthusiastic involvement of the participants.

At the end, Mr. V.N. Mathialagan donated the books written by him including 'V N Mathialagan Sollum Seithigal' to the students and the library of Media Studies.

  • Workshop on ‘Expected Role of the Journalists in Present Context’ and ‘New Media’

The Director General of Department of Government Information, Mr. Nalaga Kaluwewa invited the Media Studies students for the workshop on ‘Expected Role of the Journalists in Present Context’ and ‘New Media’ held at the District Secretariat, Jaffna on 29th of August 2019.

  • Sharing Session with Mr. S.K. Gunaa, Senior Broadcaster and Channel Head, 'Aathavan TV', UK

A Sharing Session with Mr. S.K. Gunaa, Senior Broadcaster and Channel Head, 'Aathavan TV', UK held in Media Studies on 28th of August.

The students acquired the knowledge and exposure through this session in new trends of journalism and particularly on radio broadcasting and new media.

Further, Mr. Gunaa shared his own experiences in media management and the ways to enhance professionalism in media field.

Sharing Session with Mr. S. Perumal, Former Editor of ‘Eezhanadu’ Daily

In order to enhance the teaching professional journalism to the students, the opportunities have been utilized by the Department of Media Studies by inviting the senior journalists and editors for the ‘Sharing Sessions’ addition to the academic inputs.

On par with the above, Mr. S. Perumal, Former Editor of ‘Eezhanadu’ Daily participated in the ‘Sharing Session’ relevant to the subjects of ‘Editing Concepts and Processes’ (ACMC 21033) and ‘Reporting Techniques and Skills’ (ACMC 21023) held on 22nd of August at the Media Lab of Media Studies.

Mr. S. Perumal shared his 60 years of rich journalistic experiences in national and regional dailies with the students and staff.

  • '#EngageSMinSL' - Media Studies Students Actively Participated in the Workshop on Social Media Declaration

The workshop on Social Media Declaration jointly organized by Center for Policy Alternatives and Jaffna Press Club in Green Grass, Jaffna on 9th of August 2019.

The workshop conducted by 'Vikalpa', CPA’s second citizen journalism initiative. It aims to build on the success of ground views by providing content in Sinhala and Tamil that explore facets of democracy and governance in Sri Lanka.

The Social Media Declaration is an attempt of 16 organisations to develop a code of conduct for Responsible Social Media use in Sri Lanka, recognizing the inviolable importance of the freedom of expression on or over social media, yet at the same time, encourage and strengthen the ethical, progressive, democratic and pro-social use of social media.

On the invitation of JPC, 16 students of third and fourth year of Media Studies actively participated in the workshop and collected the exposure on the responsibility to improve the responsible, ethical and democratic use of social media, using a human rights-based framework.

  • Documentation of 5th International Conference on Contemporary Management, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, UoJ

Students of Department of Media Studies participated in audio-visual documentation of 5th International Conference on Contemporary Management (ICCM 2019), conducted by Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce and held on 29th and 30th of July 2019.

  • Stakeholder discussion on Restructure of B.A. Degree Programme and the preparation meeting on commencement of Higher Diploma in Media Studies

Stakeholder discussion on Restructure of B.A. Degree Programme and the preparation meeting on commencement of Higher Diploma in Media Studies (HDMS) Programme held with present and former academic staff of Media Studies on 26th of July 2019 at Media Lab of Department of Media Studies.

The structure and curriculum of both programmes are evaluated and constructive ideas put forwarded by the participants in order to enhance the process of revisions.

  • Media Students Participated in PAFFERL Workshop on Land Issues in Northern Province

In order to enhance the knowledge in crucial issues, the staff and students of Department of Media Studies participated in a Workshop on 'Land Issues in Northern Province', conducted by Peoples's Action for Free and Fair Elections(PAFFREL) in Jaffna on 19th of July 2019. The experts in land issues, academics, representatives of civil society and higher authorities were took part in the discussion and analyzed various problems related to lands.

  • Final Year Students Successfully Completed Media Internship in Professional Media Outlets

The final year students of Media Studies successfully completed their Media Internship Professional Training for the year of 2019 in Rupavahini State Television, Independent Television Network (ITN), Maharajah Television Channel Private Limited and International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC Tamil) during the period of April to June 2019.

The internship training is very significant to provide the opportunities to the students to undergo the work life situation in media field, to equip the students to face the professional media world with required skills and the knowledge of apply the media studies in career life.

  • Seminars for Advanced Level Students on 'Communication and Media Studies'

Department of Media Studies actively involved in conducting and collaborating seminars and workshops for the Advanced Level students in Northern Province every year.

In 2019, in order to prepare the students to face the national examination, Media Studies took part in the seminars organized by Provincial Department with the collaboration of Union College, Tellippalai, Jaffna, Vavuniya North Zonal Education, Kokuvil Hindu College Office, Jaffna and Sandilipay Hindu College, Jaffna on 17th and 18th of June and 9th and 10th July respectively.

Jaffna District - Union College, Tellippalai, Jaffna

Vavuniya and Killinochci Districts - Vavuniya North Zonal Office

  • Kokuvil Hindu College, Jaffna

  • Sandilipay Hindu College, Jaffna

  • Annual Get together of Media Studies Alumni - 2019

The annual event of Media Studies Alumni Get together held with the participation of more than 40 alumni from the 6 batches on 16th of June 2019 at Raja Hall, Jaffna.

Head, Department of Media Studies Dr.S.Raguram grace the event as Chief Guest and the Former Lecturer Ms. Kiruththiga Tharmarajah as Special Guest.

  • Ceremonial Opening of Department of Media Studies

The Department of Media Studies ceremonially opened by Professor. K. Kanthasamy, Competent Authority, University of Jaffna on 10th of June, 2019.

The function presided by Dr.S.Raguram, Coordinator - Media Studies and the Dean, Faculty of Arts Dr.K.Suthakar grace the occasion as the special guest.

The Deans of the Faculties, Former Vice Chancellor Professor. P. Balasundarampillai, Former Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor. N. Gnanakumaran, Professors, Lecturers, Heads of the Departments, Administrative Staffs, Former Coordinators of Media Studies, Visiting Lecturers, Alumni , Journalists and Students were participated in the landmark event of the history of Media Studies.

  • Discussion on 'Election and Media'

The Peoples's Action for Free and Fair Elections(PAFFREL) organized a discussion on 'Election and Media' for the students of Media Studies and Political Science - University of Jaffna and the civil society and it was held at Raja Hall, Jaffna on 10th of June, 2019.

Dr.S.Raguram, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, Dr.K.T.Ganeshalingam, Senior Lecturer in Political Science, Mr. Sridaran Sabanayagam, Director of Programmes, PAFFREL and Mr.T.Kanagaraj, Regional Coordinator, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka were shared the observations on fair and neutral election reporting and role of the media with the students.

The regulations for the media relevant to the elections which are declared by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka also explained and discussed by the resource persons in the event.

  • 'Media and Gender' - A Discussion (Media Salon)

The discussion on 'Media and Gender' with the staff and students of Department of Media Studies and the editorial staff of 'Yarl Thinakkural', a Jaffna based Tamil daily organized in Jaffna on 14th of June by International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), with the support from USAID.

The discussion was in the style of a media salon, a non-formal gathering where participants can engage in constructive and critical discussion and it was moderated by Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Programme Manager, Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum, Ms. Kiruththiga Tharmarajah, Media Educator and Ms. Anutharshi Linganathan, Lecturer, Department of Media Studies, University of Jaffna.

  • MOJO Training for the Students : MEDIA DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS (MDP)

Eight students of second year Media Studies selected for the 'Mobile Journalism' - MOJO training by 'Yarl Thinakkural', Jaffna based Tamil daily and four days training programme was conducted by International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) under the its Media Empowerment for a Democratic Sri Lanka (MEND) Project from 8th to 11th June in Jaffna.

Through this programme, the selected students are able get opportunity to work in 'Yarl Thinakkural' along with the professional journalists on its digital publications in future.

  • Discussion on Proposed Incubator Space for Promoting Information Right and Freedom of Expression

HELVETAS Intercooperation in partnership with Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum (SDJF) conducted a discussion on Proposed Incubator Space for Promoting Information Right and Freedom of Expression with the fourth year students of Media Studies in Colombo on 01st of June 2019.


HELVETAS Intercooperation and Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum (SDJF) requested the University of Jaffna for the collaboration for a proposed project titled ‘InSPIRE – Incubator Space for Promoting Information Right and freedom of Expression’, as one of the beneficiaries with other two universities from Kandy and Colombo.

The Department of Media Studies of the University of Jaffna appreciated the efforts to propose Media Studies as a model department committed to multi-disciplinary learning for its students, through the establishment of pilot incubator space under the above proposal and sent the note through the Dean, Faculty of Arts and the Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna.

  • Class Exhibition on 'Theories and Models of Communication'

The first year students demonstrated their knowledge and creative talents on 'Theories and Models of Communication' by conducting a class exhibition on 1st of April 2019.

The presentations and performances of the students shows their understanding of salient theories and models of communication and the ways to convey them through multi channels.

  • Workshop on 'Photography' and 'Editing' conducted by Staff Development Centre, University of Jaffna

A series of workshop on 'Photography' and 'Editing' conducted for the Audio - Visual Technical Officers of University of Jaffna by Staff Development Center (SDC), University of Jaffna on 21st and 22nd and, 28th and 29th of March at Media Lab of Media Studies.

Dr.S.Raguram, Senior Lecturer - Media Studies, Mr. S. Sriram, Audio - Visual Technical Officer, Trincomalee Campus, Eastern University and Mr. T. Sivanesan, Graphic Artist - State Rupavahini Corporation were served as resource persons.

Addition to the Audio - Visual Technical Officers of University of Jaffna, the third year Media Studies students also invited to take part in the workshop and benefited by the practical exposure.

  • Mobile Journalism (MOJO) workshop on 'Digital Storytelling'

The students of Media Studies have ‘Contemporary Media Technology’ (ACMC 22043) at their second year second semester studies, the course unit provides the avenue to the students measure the digital influence on media, discuss the pros and cons of social media networks and, create the innovative ways to utilize the new media constructively and originate a social media network with alternate ideas.

Thus, as per the curriculum, addition to the lectures and tutorials, a two days workshop on ‘Mobile Journalism’ (MOJO) arranged on 13th and 14th of March 2019 at Media Lab with the help of Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF), Colombo who is the pioneers in training youths in MOJO in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Mohamadu Aswer, Video and Audio Editor of Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF) conducted the above workshop and 38 students of second year Media Studies benefited.

  • Sharing Session on 'News Feature Writing' with Senior Journalist Mr. Ganapathy Sarvanantha

The sharing session on 'News Feature Writing' with Senior Journalist Mr. Ganapathy Sarvanantha conducted by Media Studies on 8th of March 2019 at the Media Lab. The fourth year students who are following 'Creative Journalistic Writing' took part in the discussion and enriched their knowledge on feature writing by the experiences shared by the senior journalist who has been involved in writing features and columns more than twenty years in national and regional Tamil dailies and weeklies.


  • Workshop on 'Challenges and Opportunities Face by Tamil Journalism'

Fourth year Media Studies students participated in the workshop on 'Challenges and Opportunities Face by Tamil Journalism' jointly organized by Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists Association and Jaffna Press Club on 24th of February 2019 in Jaffna.

Senior Journalists, Chief Editors of Tamil Dailies and Media Academics took part in the one day workshop and discussed the various issues in relevant to the future development of Tamil Journalism.

Mr. Ananth Balakidnar - President, Tamil Journalists Association and News Editor of 'Ceylon Today', Mr.A. Nixon - Senior Journalist, Mr.N. Vithayatharan - Chief Editor of 'Kalaikathir', Mr. Nilanthan - Political Columnist, Dr. S. Raguram - Media Academic, Mr. Ratheyan - Senior Journalist, Mr. Bharathy - Editor, 'Sunday Thinakkural', Mr. P. Seevahan - BBC Journalist, Mr. Manikkavasakar - BBC Correspondent, Mr. R. Thayaparan - Convener, Jaffna Press Club, Mr.A.Sabeswaran - President, Jaffna Press Club and Mr. Ganapathy Sarvanantha - Senior Journalist participated in the discussion and shared their experiences with young journalists and media students.

The discussion covered the issues on quality of news production, professional ethics and expected role of journalists in current context, professional challenges, news writing, follow-up, ownership and other influences, working in political environment and unspoken social and cultural problems.

  • Workshop on 'Right to Information and Community Journalism'

23 students from Media Studies participated in a two days workshop on 'Right to Information and Community Journalism' conducted by the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI), with the financial support from USAID through the Strengthening Democratic Governance and Accountability Project (SDGAP) in Sri Lanka.

The workshop conducted in Jaffna on 23rd and 24th of February 2019.

  • 'MOJO' Awarding Ceremony - Eight Students won Awards for their Successful Productions

The Media Studies students who has been involved in Mobile Journalism (#MoJoLK) training program which was launched to capacitate young community activists, enabling them to effectively capture the voice of vulnerable populations from marginalized settings in Sri Lanka, awarded for their productions in Colombo on 23rd of February 2019.

The event was organized by Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum (SDJF) and eight students of Media Studies received the awards for their successful productions.

  • Workshop on 'i-voice' : 'Voice to the Voiceless'

More than 40 young and aspiring media students from the eight universities across the country including five of our students from third year of studies gathered for the workshop on 'i-voice' content generation jointly organized by Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum (SDJF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on 21st of February 2019 in Colombo.

They have been trained on generating various content for iVoice as responsible Citizen Journalists who have the power to give voice to the voiceless.

  • Discussion on ‘Ethics on Reporting Suicide and Road Accidents in Media’

The Jaffna Press Club organized a discussion on ‘Ethics on Reporting Suicide and Road Accidents in Media’ with the participation of Dr. Murali Vallipuranathan, Dr. Sivayogan and Dr. Kesavan and it was held on 15th of February 2019 in Jaffna Press Club.

The second year Media Studies students actively participated in the discussion on the invitation of Jaffna Press Club and got a opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the value of ethical reporting on these crucial issues which affect the moral and sensitivity of the community.

  • Documentation of International Conference on Advanced Materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications (ICAMCEHA 2019), University of Jaffna

On the invitation of the organizing committee of International Conference on Advanced Materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications (ICAMCEHA 2019), University of Jaffna - Media Studies contributed in the audio - visual documentation of the conference for three days on 6th to 8th, February, 2019.

  • Post Graduate Students of University of Peradeniya visited Media Studies as part of their Study Programme

The Students of Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) of University of Peradeniya who follow M.Sc. in Development Communication Extension visited Media Studies as part of their study programme and attend the lecture on 'Developmental Journalism (EX 5201)' conducted by Dr.S.Raguram, Senior Lecturer, Media Studies.

They have collected field experiences by visiting resettlement villages in coastal areas and media outlets in Jaffna during their visit on 28th and 29th of January 2019.

  • International Media Support (IMS) visited Media Studies to Explore Future Collaborations

A high profile team of International Media Support (IMS) visited Media Studies on 28th of January 2019 to explore the future ventures with Media Studies, University of Jaffna to uplift the journalism standards in Northern Province.

International Media Support is a Denmark based non-profit organisation working to strengthen the capacity of media to reduce conflict, strengthen democracy and facilitate dialogue throughout the world.

The International Media Support (IMS) team comprises of Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya - Regional Advisor for Asia, Mr. Nalaka Gunawardene - Programme Consultant, Mr. Ulrik Selmer - Assistant Programme Manager, Ms. Emilie Lehmann - Jacobsen - Programme Development Advisor, Asia and conducted a detailed discussion with the Coordinator and staff of Media Studies in order to find the way forward for the future collaborations.

  • Participation of Staff of Media Studies in 'Media and the Law' Conference

The staff of Media Studies participated in 'Media and the Law in Sri Lanka' Conference, conducted by Sri Lanka Media Law Forum (SLMLF) in collaboration with National Secretariat for Media Reforms (NSMR), Colombo Law Society and International Media Support (IMS) on 26th of January 2019 at Waters Edge, Colombo.

Dr.S.Raguram, Coordinator, Media Studies moderated the session on 'Defamation and Media' in the conference.

  • Sharing Session by 'Al Jazeera' Former Correspondent Gabrielle Menezes

Ms. Gabrielle Menezes, Former Correspondent for 'Al Jazeera' – West Africa and Multimedia Storyteller conducted a sharing session with Media Studies students on ‘Photo Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling’ on 24th January 2019.

Further, she has explained about the her involvement in Polaroid Photography and how is differ from the Digital Film-making on the context of creativity.

For further information about Ms. Gabrielle Menezes and her works log into: https://www.gabriellemenezes.com/

"I create film and multimedia that tell stories, which range from refugee issues for United Nations agencies to exploring folk tales in portraits for fashion and beauty magazines.

My background is journalism, and I was the West Africa Reporter for Al Jazeera. After leaving journalism, I worked for the United Nations in communications in Kenya, before focusing on creating films and multimedia.

My Polaroid photographs are creative rather than documentary images, and I like to explore the borders of fiction, memory, and imagination."

- Gabrielle Menezes

  • Participation of Media Studies Students in 'Internews' Workshop on 'Pluralism and Gender Representation in News Production'

The ‘Internews’, a non-profit organization operating internationally, with administrative centers in California, Washington DC, London and Paris, as well as regional hubs in Bangkok and Nairobi – invited students of Media Studies for its two days workshop regarding ‘Discussion and Story Production Programmes’ held on January 14th and 15th in Colombo.

Five students from third year participated in the workshop and gathered professional exposure in ethical news production especially relevant to pluralism and gender representation.

  • 'Iran - Sri Lanka Friendship Cinema Festival'

Screening International Award Winning Films

The Media Studies, with the collaboration of Iran Cultural Centre, Colombo conducted 'Iran - Sri Lanka Friendship Cinema Festival' and screened two Iranian films at Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna on 10th of January 2019.

From the initiative of Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo, Mr. Mostafa Sohrab, Counsellor - Iran Cultural Centre and Mr. Dhanushka Gunathilake, Deputy Director (Media) at Office for National Unity and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka are coordinated the festival.

Dr. K. Suthakar, Dean, Faculty of Arts ceremonially inaugurated the event and two award winning films 'Bodyguard' and 'Track 143' were screened.