Activities - 2022

• Filmmaker Ranjith Joseph Shared his Film Exposure with Students

Mr. Ranjith Joseph, Filmmaker of 'Sinam kol' (சினம் கொள்), a full-length feature film in Tamil participated in a sharing Session with the Media Studies students on the 25th of November 2022 at the Library Auditorium, University of Jaffna.

Following the screening of the movie 'Sinam kol' (சினம் கொள்), Mr. Ranjith and Mr. Theepachelvan, the Dialogue Writer of the film answered the questions from the students on their experiences, preparation, making of 'Sinam kol' (சினம் கொள்).

Mr. Ranjith Joseph, is a Sri-Lankan born, Canadian filmmaker who moved to Canada at a young age. Being always fascinated by art and Tamil literature, he pursued a career in film studies and graduated from Tribes Film Institute. Later, he moved to Chennai, India to further strengthen his knowledge on Tamil cinema. He worked as an assistant director on various sets with reputable south Indian directors. He assisted Mr.Sasi , an eminent Tamil writer/filmmaker, as his assistant director in his film "Poo".

• Three Days Workshop on 'Film for Equality (F4E)'

As per the MoU signed with the Center for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL), selected female students from Media Studies participated in the three days workshop which is part of the initiative called Film for Equality (F4E) aims to advocate for human rights of women and young girls through Mobile Short Films.

The workshop was conducted by the CMIL at the Green Grass Hotel, Jaffna on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of November 2022.

12 university students and 14 working or unemployed women and girls who have a passion for short filmmaking benefited from the workshop.

Dr. Indika Ferdinando, a national and international award-winning Sri Lankan theatre practitioner and Guest Trainer and Ms. Ayesha Chathurangi, Lecturer at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts conducted this insightful workshop.

• Documentary Film Festival 2022

Fourteen documentary films produced by the Media Studies students on different themes were screened on the 22nd of November 2022 at the Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna.

The documentary films were produced in a systematic way as an outcome of the course unit ‘Film and Television Production Technologies’ at the third year of studies.

‘கடல்விளை அமுதம்’ : The present condition of Elephant Pass saltern , ‘மைதானம்’ : Need of the playground in a village in upcountry, ‘வாழைக்குலைச் சங்கம்’: Activities of the association of plantain cultivators in Jaffna, ‘மிதியுந்து’: The increasing usage of cycles during the fuel shortage, ‘உளி தொடாக்கலை’: The evaporation of traditional sculpture making, ‘அழிவடைந்து போன பழமை’: The search for the traditional water-pumping system in Northern Peninsula, ‘செம்மலையின் கண்ணீர்’: The danger of deep sea swimming and the pathetic story of the three brothers who lost their lives at the Sea in Semmalai, ‘வன்னியின் ஆவுடையூர்’: The traditional homeland of livestock in Vanni , ‘வானவில்’: Batik industry in Jaffna , ‘நந்திக்கடல் மீன்பிடி’: Fishing at the Mullaithivu Coast - Nanthikadal, ‘அம்மா’:The one-day life journey of the women from the upcountry, ‘மறைந்திருக்கும் தொன்மம்’: The myth of the cave at Keerimalai, ‘இருளொளி’: The laudable efforts of the visually challenged musician, ‘தூய மரச்செக்கு எண்ணெய்’: The traditional way of oil production were screened.

• Media Studies Students Served as Resource Persons in School-based Prevention Programmes on Alcohol and Drugs

The selected students of Media Studies rendered their services as resource persons in school-based prevention programs on alcohol and drugs in Jaffna district schools.

The Alcohol and Drug Information Center (ADIC) trained the students and made the organization the school-based prevention programme.

The students along with ADIC officials successfully conducted the prevention programmes on the 3rd, 4th and 9th of November 2022, in Jaffna Hindu Collage, Periyapulam Maha Vidyalayam and Sathana Vidyalayam.

• Short Course on 'Parliamentary Functions and Procedures' for the Media Studies Students

The recently initiated short course on parliamentary functions and procedures by the Parliament of Sri Lanka for Universities was introduced to the Media Studies students.

The inauguration of the course was held on the 31st of October 2022 at the University of Jaffna. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna Professor S. Srisatkunarajah thanked the Parliament for organizing such a course and also presented a short speech to the scholars on the importance and necessity of taking the such course.

On behalf of the Parliament Secretariat of Sri Lanka, the Director of Legislative Services and Acting Director of Communications, Mr. H. E Janakantha Silva, Director of Administration, Ms. G. Thatchanarany, Manager of Media Ms. Nimmie Hathiyaldeniya were present at the inauguration.

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. K. Suthakar who addressed the gathering requested that this course to be conducted for the students of the Political Science Department of the university too in future.

Prof. S. Raguram, Head of the Department of Media Studies, Lecturers Poongulaly Srisankeerthanan, Jude Dinesh Koduthor and Anutharshi Gabilan were present at this event.

This course intends to cover Democracy and the Parliamentary System, the Legislative Process of Parliament, the Evolution of the Parliamentary System, the Parliamentary Committee System, Parliament and the Public, the Code of Conduct for the Members of Parliament, Standing Orders, Correlation for Public Service Process and Women's Representation. The Short Course on Parliamentary Functions and Procedures includes four lectures and a study tour around Parliament.

• Orientation Session on the InSPIRE Incubator Space

An orientation session on the InSPIRE Incubator Space was conducted by HELVETAS for Media Studies undergraduates at the Media Lab on the 14th of October 2022 in partnership with SDJF at the newly established Incubator Space.

This interactive session briefed the students on the InSPIRE Project, its objectives and how the space could be used to practice and promote the fundamental rights of Freedom of Expression (FOE) and Right to Information (RTI) in a responsible manner.

The session created an open platform for students to actively voice their suggestions and direct their questions related to the practical usage of the Incubator Space and gave students the opportunity to familiarize themselves on how this integrated classroom could be used in a sustainable manner.

On the same day, a Core Group meeting also was conducted at the Incubator Space at the Media Lab built through the InSPIRE Project funded by the European Union. The meeting convened project team members from HELVETAS and SDJF, student members of the UOJ Core Group, as well as senior lecturers and focal points of the Media Studies.

During this meeting, the progress made under the InSPIRE Project in the university during this year, key lessons learned, and upcoming activities under the project was discussed. The agenda also included the briefing of Roles and responsibilities of the Core group including its key function of sustaining the incubator spaces.

The Core Group meeting was an opportunity for students to share their experiences through the InSPIRE Project, as well as discuss the progress made as media students being a part of the Project and related trainings.

• Training on Content Production and Marketing of 'YouTube Channels'

The graduates of Media Studies who are successfully involved in the 'Jaffna Gallery' YouTube Channel trained the Second Year students on Content Production and Marketing of 'YouTube Channels' on the 13th of October 2022 at the Media Lab of Media Studies.

This was conducted as a part of the coordination of 'Alumni of Media Studies' in providing avenues to the internal students on getting professional exposure.

• Senior Broadcaster Mr. Nadarajah Kuruparan Shared his Experiences to the Students

Mr. Nadarajah Kuruparan, Senior Manager of 'Aathavan Media Network', London and 'Tamil FM', Colombo and Former News Director, 'Sooriyan FM', Colombo shared his experiences with the students on the 4th of October 2022 at the Arts Seminar Hall of the Faculty of Arts.

Mr.Kuruparan elaborated the 'Role of News Editor in Radio Broadcasting' to the students and answered the questions on the new trends of global media and the scope of convergent media in Tamil.

• Discussion with Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) Students

The students who are following MSc in Development Communication at the Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) visited Media Studies and discussed with the students on Dev Comm issues in Northern Province on the 30th of September 2022.

The team of PGIA students was guided by Professor WADP Wanigasundera, Retired Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya and other academic staff.

• Discussion with Right to Information (RTI) Commissioners at University of Jaffna

The Commissioners of the Right to Information Commission visited the University of Jaffna and participated in the Discussion with the students of Media Studies, Law, Political Science, and Sociology on the 28th of September 2022 at the Arts Seminar Hall of the Faculty of Arts.

The discussion was organized by the Department of Media Studies at the invitation of the RTI Commission and AFRIAL Youth Network. The discussion was held along with the visit of Commissioners to Jaffna aligned with the International Information Day and the Public Event of 'Information Act to the Village'.

Chairman of the Right to Information Commission Justice Mr. Upali Abeyratne (Retd.), Advocate Ms. Kishali Pinto- Jayawardene (Commissioner), Advocate Mr. Jagath Liyanaarachchi (Commissioner), Mr.A.Mohammed Nahia (Commissioner) and Mr.S.R.W.M.R.P. Satkumara, Director General (Acting) participated in the discussion and answered the questions from the students on RTI and its usage.

• Workshop on ‘Investigative Journalism’ organized by Transparency International Sri Lanka

The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) conducted a one-day workshop on 'Investigative Journalism' for the Media Studies students at the Arts Seminar Hall of the Faculty of Arts on the 26th of September 2022.

The sessions were conducted by Mr. Shihar Annez, Senior Journalist and Investigative/data journalism trainer at the Center for Investigative Reporting, Sri Lanka and Mr. Ramkumar, Assistant News Editor and Feature Writer, Virakesari Tamil Weekly.

Mr. Kirupairajah Gowriswaran, Head of Branches and Community Sector, Ms. Nilakshy Thavarajah, Branch Manager - Vavuniya and other officials of TISL also participated in the workshop.

The students of the Second Year participated and collected valuable and practical inputs on Investigative Storytelling by mobile and short film making from the resource persons.

Prior to the field survey, ADIC conducted a short training program for the students on the behaviour and attitude changes relevant to alcohol and drug usage and the technical inputs related to the administration of the questionnaires.

This programme was supervised by Professor. S. Raguram, Head, Media Studies with the facilitation of the Department staff and, Mr. A.C. Raheem, Senior Programme Officer, Ms. Nidarshana Selladurai, Programme Officer and Mr. A. Kodeshwaran, Coordinator from Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) have participated as resource persons.

The certificates of appreciation for the participation were given to the students at the Kailasapathy Auditorium in the presence of ADIC officials on the 29th of September 2022.

The students of the second year of Media Studies who are following 'Folk Media' as one of the course units were involved in the discussion and gathered exposure on folklore studies from the topics relevant to folk communication, indigenous knowledge, collection of data through the fieldwork and ethics in folklore research.

• 'MIL Summit 2022' and the Release of the Findings of 'Study on MIL Education in Sri Lanka'

Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) supported the 'Study on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Education in Sri Lanka', an assessment of the trends and gaps and it was facilitated by the Department of Media Studies, University of Jaffna as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Center for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL), a collaborative partner organization of CEMCA and UoJ. On par with this, the 'MIL Summit 2022' is organized to share major findings of the study with the media and communication academics, researchers, and students on 27th of July 2022, virtually, with the collaboration of the Department of Media Studies, UoJ, Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication of the University of Sri Jayawardanepura, CEMCA and The FACTS.

The prizegiving event was held on 10th of July 2022 under the patronage of Ms. Angel Queentus, Director and Founder, Jaffna Transgenders Network (JTN) and Ms. Susie Csorsz Brown, Public Affairs Associate, US Embassy, Colombo.

Ms. Larshika Manoharan and Sankeerthana Arulanantham won first place for their short film titled 'அவனவள்' and Ms. Kanageshwary won third place for her short film titled 'மௌனமொழி', all three are the third-year students of Media Studies.

MoU Signed between Center for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL) and the University of Jaffna

The Memorandum of Understanding to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL) among the students was signed between the Center for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL) and the University of Jaffna on the 19^th of July 2022 at the University of Jaffna.

This MoU provides the framework required for both the University of Jaffna and the CMIL to collaborate, share expertise, and work with students and staff to promote activities such as research, training, knowledge-sharing events, and publications in promoting critical news and information consumption.

The MoU was signed on behalf of both organizations by Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice-Chancellor, the University of Jaffna, and Dr. M.A.Y. Arafath, Director, Center for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL). Prof. K. Suthakar, Dean, Faculty of Arts; Prof. S. Raguram, Head, Department of Media Studies; Ms. Anusha Sivaneswaran, and Deputy Registrar, Faculty of Arts; as well as lecturers, attended the occasion.

Under this MoU, both institutions will work together to develop a MIL education assessment toolkit to analyze the strength and viability of MIL education in Sri Lanka and to engage academia and other stakeholders to develop a country-specific strategy paper to promote MIL education in Sri Lanka.

As per the agreement, MIL summits will also organized by the CMIL and the Department of Media Studies at the University of Jaffna as co-hosts for senior academics, students, and research fellows in the media and communication fields from Sri Lankan universities to share their experience in teaching and learning MIL, providing a space for a practical learning experience and ideas to strengthen MIL education in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the event, Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice-Chancellor, University of the Jaffna stated that “It is extremely important to promote MIL amongst the students, enabling them to successfully identify contents that are misleading and not factually supported.” He added, “The Internet has become a polluted ocean with a lot of false information, and not only students but also every citizen should be trained to carefully navigate this space.”.

Speaking at the same event, Dr. Arafath added, “ Developing critical consumption habit has become very timely”.

Signing MoU News in Newspapers and Web Portals:

Dr. S. Raguram (Head, Department of Media Studies), Mr. T. Sivanesan (Audio-Visual Technical Officer, Department of Media Studies) and Mr. T. Thivakar - B.A. (Hons.) in Media Studies participated as resource persons and Ms. P. Sivatharsiny (Former Temporary Demonstrator), Ms. R. Roshani (Temporary Demonstrator, Department of Media Studies), Mr. B. Praveen - B.A. (Hons.) in Media Studies, Mr. P. Dilakshan - B.A. (Hons.) in Media Studies, Mr. R. Kalaiamuthan - B.A. (Hons.) in Media Studies and Mr. S. Sivasubramaniam - Lab Attendant, Media Lab, Department of Media Studies participated as the facilitators in the training sessions.

• 'Capturing the Current' - Media Studies Graduate Made Landmark in the Photography Contest

As a spontaneous reaction to the intensifying socio-political current realities in Sri Lanka the Goethe-Institut Chennai and Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Chennai Photo Biennale have selected four emerging photographers with an ongoing documentary practice.

Ms. Pirainila Krishnarajah, Media Studies graduate from the University of Jaffna is one of the winners. Her focus of interest lies within community-based issues. She directed a documentary film based on Transgenders in Jaffna called "Naangkalum Irukkiram". Pirainila is a social activist and writer that wants to integrate using photography more in her work to give her subjects a passionate voice through the media she is using.

The organizers will support the selected winners by awarding the photographers with grants to continue their ongoing practice, documenting the multifold economic hardships, the people’s protest movement, and other topics of current relevance in their respective surroundings.

The selection of photographers was made, taking into account the desire to support photographers with potential and interesting practice, from a variety of locations across the country and keeping to a gender balance.

Ms. Pirainila Krishnarajah produced the photo feature for the contest on 'The story of Kurunagar Fisherfolk in crisis', Kurunagar is a coastal village in Jaffna, in the north of Sri Lanka. It is a densely populated place, where according to the government population register, around 2300 families have taken in fishing as their main profession.

Further, he was trained at Satyajith Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata and Manorama School of Communication at Kottayam, Kerala India n the field of news and current affairs.

The students learned the theoretical and practical aspects of Investigative Journalism (IJ) particularly in the arena of Tamil journalism in Sri Lanka from Mr.R.Ram with his novelistic approach to hunting and searching for information on IJ.

• Idea Market - 2 : Digital Drama, Mobile Short Films and Mobile Video Storytelling

As a part of the Inspire Programme series which comes under the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Helvetas Intercooperation gGmbH and the University of Jaffna and aligned with the 'An Exploration of Creative Minds for Future Media', the Second Idea Market for the Students of the University of Jaffna was conducted on 26th of June, 2022 at the Tilco Hotel, Jaffna.

Market is a place where you bargain and negotiate. The students enthusiastically participated in discussing different stories they have come up with to develop various media products for the Inter-University Competition. The mentoring of the second meeting happened for Digital Drama, Mobile Short Films and Mobile Video Storytelling.

The meeting commenced with the introductory session on Idea Market activities and competition guidelines and the session on story pitches and thematic discussions was followed.

The students presented their story ideas and pitches via art, writing, flip charts & diagrams and gathered feedback and guidance from the mentors.

Further, the students of the University of Peradeniya engaged in Inter-Cultural Experience Sharing and Group Work - Collaborative activities with the Media Studies students of the University of Jaffna.

• Participation of Media Students in a Residential Training with Youths from Local Community

Media Studies students from the second and third years along with youths from the local community : Anaikoddai, Maniyamthoddam and Columbuththurai participated in a three days residential training on 'Enhancing Leadership and Short Film Making for Conflict Sensitive Communication' conducted by HUDEC - Caritas, Jaffna.

The training was organized at the Retreat Center in Pandaitharippu, Jaffna under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Saverian Eugene Francis, Director, HUDEC - Caritas Jaffna.

Mr. Joseph Bala conducted a group activity on 'Leadership and Youth'. Dr.S.Sivadas, Psychiatrist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna shared the session on 'Youths and Personality Development and the Role of Youths in the Formation of Healthy Society'. The workshop on 'Short film making' was carried out by Filmmaker Mr. Mathi Sutha.

The workshop facilitated active interaction between students and community members. The workshop was attended by over 26 students and 12 community members and was conducted at the American Corner Jaffna on 24th of June 2022.

• Launching Short Film Competition on Alcohol and Drug Awareness

As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Department of Media Studies, University of Jaffna, the Alcohol and Drugs Information Center (ADIC) launched the Short Film Competition on Alcohol and Drug Awareness at the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna on 23rd of June 2022.

The event of launching the competition chaired by Dr.S.Raguram, Head, Media Studies and Professor K. Suthakar, Dean, Faculty of Arts ceremonially opened the competition as the chief guest. Mr. A. C. Raheem, Senior Programme Officer and other officials from ADIC, students, and the staff of the Media Studies were also taking part in the event.

The competition has been expanded to the whole Arts Faculty this time and the participants will be trained in content formation and technical aspects of filmmaking by the resource persons at the preliminary phase of the competition.

• Awareness Programme on 'Noolaham' Virtual Library

'Noolaham' Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization founded to provide enhanced access to information sources and foster knowledge-based development in Sri Lanka. It maintains an online digital library, facilitates information preservation programmes, provides financial assistance and technical guidance for digitization initiatives, and actively participates in awareness-raising campaigns. It also coordinates a range of fund-raising activities and collaborates with other organizations and individuals. The free Internet library (www.noolaham.org) and Archive (www.aavanaham.org) maintained by the Foundation serves as a learning centre incorporating local knowledge and enabling social interaction with a view to achieving constructive social outcomes.

An awareness programme on 'Noolaham' Virtual Library was conducted by the Noolaham Foundation for the Media Studies students as a webinar on the 10th of June 2022.

The Students and staff of the Department of Media Studies actively participated in the event and gathered the exposure and knowledge in using the virtual library for the research purposes and references.

• Creative Art Economics: New Opening to the Media Studies Students

The University Business Linkage (UBL) of the University of Jaffna presented the potential of the documentary films made by the students of the Media Studies at the virtual exhibition for products and services to support creative art economics from the Sri Lankan Universities.

World Bank funded Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Project together with Ceylon Chambers conducted the 5th Virtual exhibition for products and services to support creative arts economics.

The Virtual exhibition was held on 24th May, 2022 at 9.30 a.m. through the Microsoft Teams platform and Mr. Anu Rakavan, Manager, UBL - University of Jaffna made the presentation.

The UBL included the productions of the Media studies for the promotion along with the Departments of Dance, Music, and the Unit of the Art and Design from the University of Jaffna. The follow-up connection with commercial partners will be facilitated by the Ceylon Chambers and AHEAD operation team.

• Media Studies Participated at the 'Inspire'' Annual Forum

As a part of the Inspire Programme series which comes under the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Helvetas Intercooperation gGmbH and the University of Jaffna, the Annual Forum was organized in Colombo by Helvetas and supported by Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum (SDJF) on 28th of May 2022.

The theme of the Forum was 'LEARN. SHARE. CONNECT – Diversifying Learning Through Synergies' and the overall objectives of the Forum was to provide: a platform for knowledge building and information exchange; and an opportunity for cross-fertilization of ideas and enable peer-to-peer learning.

There was a total of 60 students from all four universities, the stakeholders of the MoU: University of Jaffna, University of Peradeniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and South Eastern University as15 from each university participated.

There were three sessions conducted at the Annual Forum as follows :

• Panel Discussion on Investigative journalism, “Striving for Democracy Through Investigative Journalism” with three renowned journalists as panelists: Ms. Dilrukshi Handunetti, Executive Director for Center for Investigative Reporting Sri Lanka; Mr. Shihar Aneez, Investigative / Data Journalism trainer at the Center for Investigative Reporting Sri Lanka; and Mr. Rifthi Ali, Founder/ Chief Editor of Vidiyal.lk. The session was moderated by Mr. Azad Mustaffa, Program Director -SDJF.

• Techniques of 'Mobile Live Streaming' by Mr. Alexshanther Kamilas and,

• Right to Information (RTI) Act by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL).

The agreement was made for the purpose of increasing the capacity of the students of the Department of Media Studies, University of Jaffna to respond to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs promotions and to involve in effective prevention activities.

Further, the MoU aimed to build the capacity of the media studies students to engage them in creating awareness among the local community and investigating social issues, improve the understanding of trade manipulation of print and electronic media and produce the creative materials to mobilize the community to have appropriate awareness regarding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

As per the agreement, training programmes and a short film competition will be conducted and the students will be offered to follow an online certificate course to improve students’ knowledge of alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues.

In addition to this, media studies students will conduct surveys regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drug promotions in the region and format the report with the technical support of ADIC and those will be released as the collaborative production of the University of Jaffna and ADIC.

To see the video news on the event, please visit..

• Jaffna Gallery

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VfHc97NZPipZ8gF885e3dcj8yVe5e_Ky/view?usp=sharing

• Nethra TV

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nmeWh5BHF2c2WD9hsZyA5_faj5gUumZP/view?usp=sharing

News Appeared in Online News Portals:

• ‘நினைவழியா நாட்கள்’ - Going Down Party to the Final Year Students

The Going Down Farewell Party for the 8th and 9th batches of Media Studies organized by the 10th batch of students on the 28th of April 2022 under the title of ‘நினைவழியா நாட்கள்’. The pass-out students recall the unforgettable memories they have gathered throughout their university life at the function. The mementos were presented by the junior students to their seniors.

• Two-Day Workshop in Mobile Journalism (MoJo)

Mr. Mohammedu Aswer, Mobile Journalism (MoJo) Trainer conducted the workshop with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum (SDJF) for the second and third-year students relevant to the ‘Contemporary Media Technology’ and ‘Film Studies’ course units respectively, on 31^st of March and 01^st of April 2022.

The workshop contains a theoretical foundation in film grammar, practical sessions, application of learned skills, and discussion for further enhancement.

• Series of Training Sessions to the Media Studies Students at Jaffna, Colombo and Kandy

The InSPIRE project conducted a series of the practical training programmes for the Media Studies students of the University of Jaffna, as individual sessions and collaborative sessions with the University of Peradeniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and South Eastern University under the theme, 'An Exploration of Creative Minds for Future Media'.

The training programmes were organized by the Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum (SDJF) as a part of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Helvetas Intercooperation gGmbH and the University of Jaffna.

The training programmes covered Multimedia article writing/Blog, Digital storytelling, Mobile Journalism, Cartoon/Doodle expression, Digital Drama, Short film and Mobile/DSLR Photography. The overall goal of this training program was to provide practical exposure and expert coaching for the students to produce quality media products for the inter-university competition.

The students requested to select their interest fields for the training sessions and the all the sessions are coordinated by Mr. Antony Yesuradnam Sri, the Liaison Officer of the Programme and the staff of the Media Studies Ms. Poongulaly Srisangeerthanan, Mr. Dinesh Koduthor, Ms. Anutharsi Gabilan, Ms. P. Sivatharsiny and Ms. R. Roshani.

The training sessions were conducted as follows.

Inauguration and Training Session on 'Multimedia Article & Blog'

The inauguration of the programmes was held in Jaffna on 22.01.2022 and the Professor. K. Suthakar, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna and Dr.S.Raguram, Head, Department of Media Studies were invited as guests. Mr. Azad Mustaffa, Programme Director, SDJF has chaired the function.

The training on 'Multimedia Article & Blog' was conducted on the 22nd and 23rd of January 2022 at Green Grass Hotel, Jaffna and the training was given by Dr. M.C. Rasmin. The total number of 47 students of Media Studies benefitted including 18 students from 1st year, 12 students from 2nd year, and 17 students from 3rd year of studies.

Training Session on 'Cartoon Art and Doodle Animation'

The training on 'Cartoon Art and Doodle Animation' was conducted on the 29th and 30th of January 2022 at Green Grass Hotel, Jaffna, and the training was given by Mr. Saranga Narampanawa, Ms. D. Ruwanthi and Dr. M.C. Rasmin. The total number of 29 students of Media Studies benefitted including 09 students from 1st year and 20 students from 2nd year of studies.

Training Session on 'DSLR Photography'

The training on 'DSLR Photography' was conducted on the 04th & 05th of February 2022 at Green Grass Hotel, Jaffna, and the training was given by Mr. Lahiru Wanigasekera and Mr. M.M. Aswer. The total number of 46 students of Media Studies benefitted including 10 students from 1st year, 11 students from 2nd year, and 25 students from 3rd year of studies.

The Training Sessions on 'Mobile Photography'

The training on 'Mobile Photography' as an Inter-Universities session was conducted on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of February 2022 at Hotel Janaki, Colombo, and the training was given by Mr. Isbahan Sharfdeen and Mr. Kapila Ramanayake. The total number of 26 students of Media Studies benefitted from the 2nd year of studies.

Parallel to the session on Colombo, the training on 'Mobile Photography' was conducted on the 12th and 13th of February 2022 at Tilko Hotel, Jaffna, and the training was given by Mr. M.M. Aswer and Dr. M.C. Rasmin. The total number of 51 students of Media Studies benefitted including 15 students from 1st year, 14 students from 2nd year, and 22 students from 3rd year of studies.

The Training Sessions on 'Mobile Video Storytelling' and 'Short Film'

The training on 'Mobile Video Storytelling' as an Inter-Universities session was conducted on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of February 2022 at Hotel Janaki, Colombo, and the training was given by Mr. Ruwan Bogamuwa and Mr. Kapila Ramanayake. The total number of 15 students of Media Studies benefitted including 09 students from 1st year and 06 students from 2nd year of studies.

Parallel to the session on Colombo, the training on 'Short Film' was conducted on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of February 2022 at Tilko Hotel, Jaffna, and the training was given by Mr. M.M. Aswer and Dr. M.C. Rasmin. The total number of 33 students of Media Studies benefitted including 10 students from 1st year, 15 students from 2nd year, and 08 students from 3rd year of studies.

The Training on 'Mobile Video Story' as an Inter-Universities Session

The training on 'Mobile Video Story' as an Inter-Universities session was conducted on the 26th, 27th, and 28th of February 2022 at Hotel Suisse, Kandy, and the training was given by Mr. Ruwan Bogamuwa and Mr. Isbahan Sharfdeen. The total number of 19 students of Media Studies benefitted including 06 students from 2nd year and 13 students from 3rd year of studies.

The Training Session on 'Digital Drama'

The training on 'Digital Drama' was conducted on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of March 2022 at Hotel Janaki, Colombo and the training was given by Dr. M.C Rasmin, Mr. A.R. Yashodaran, and Ms. Sachitra Rahubadda. The total number of 12 students of Media Studies benefitted including 10 students from 1st year and 02 students from 2nd year of studies.

The Final Session on 'Idea Market'

The final session on 'Idea Market' was conducted on the 2nd of April 2022 at Tilko Hotel, Jaffna and the guidance was given by Mr. Lahiru Wanigasekara (DSLR Photography), Dr. M.C Rasmin (Multimedia Articles and Blogs), and Mr. M.M. Aswer (Mobile Photography) and Ms. D. Rwanthi (Cartoon Art and Doodle Animation). The total number of 74 students of Media Studies benefitted including 13 from 1st year, 40 students from 2nd year, and 21 students from 3rd year of studies.

The 'Idea Market' aimed to serve as a platform for the students to pitch their stories and ideas for the inter-university competition submissions in their respective participating categories. The 'Idea Market' consists of mentors to offer feedback and guidance to the students. After their story pitches and feedback, the students can keep in touch with the mentor throughout the period of their productions.

• Media Internship for the Final Year Students

As part of the curriculum's requirement, the fourth-year students completed their 'Media Internship' in different media outlets in Jaffna and Colombo for two months of time on January 2022.

The internship placements are assigned based on the wish of the students and the availability at the media outlets. The students went for the internship at Rupavahini Corporation, Thinakaran Tamil Daily, Government Information Department, and Independent Television Network (ITN) in Colombo and Uthayan Tamil Daily, Yarl Thinakural Tamil Daily, International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), and Capital Television in Jaffna.

The 'Media Internship' course unit aims to provide an opportunity to take part in the media industry and acquire exposure through the working environment and professionals in the field of study, examine the world life practices and apply the theoretical knowledge and principles, adapt ethics in career life, develop organizing capacity and professional responsibility and, to plan efficiently in completing given tasks teamwork and professional relationship with colleagues.

• Exposure to the Students on 'Reporting in Pandemic'

Media Studies students from the second year and third year participated in a one day workshop on 'Reporting in Pandemic and Media Ethics' which was organized by the Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry with the collaboration of the Governor Secretariat of Northern Province on 05th of January 2022 at the District Secretariat, Jaffna.

Mr. K. Mahesan, District Secretary, Jaffna was presiding over the event and Ms. Rupavathy Keetheswaran, District Secretary, Killinochchi, Mr. V. Vimalanathan, District Secretary, Mullaithivu, Ms. Stanly De Mel, District Secretary, Mannar and Mr. M. Pratheepan, Additional District Secretary, Jaffna, Mr. Srimohanan, Additional District Secretary, Killinochchi and Ms. S, Mehanathan, Secretary to the Governor also participated in the event.

Mr. J. Yogaraj, Senior Media Secretary, Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry was participated as the resource person and shared his presentations on media ethics in Covid reporting, expected qualities of the journalists in critical situations and the responsibilities of media.