M.Phil Kel'ya, B.A. (hons) Kel'ya,
Head | Department of Film and Television Production Technology, University of Vocational Technology Sri Lanka
Production Designer, Art Director, Researcher, Consulter
Gayan is a professional in cinema and journalism with academic experience related to rage of subjects such as newspaper, radio, television, cinema, graphic designing, and communication research. Apart from working as a journalist during his undergraduate years at the Wijeya Newspapers, he also established the Research Unit for ‘Ada’ newspaper and conducted research on media and public opinion. His studies were based for improving the sales of certain newspapers published by the company. With his experience as a researcher, Gayan was later appointed as the Research Director at Castle Investments (Pvt.) Ltd.
During his stint as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, Gayan conducted undergraduate lectures on journalism and cinema. His book on war reporting and photojournalism explores theoretical and practical information on conflict-sensitive journalism. Later, he also published an informative book analyzing media reports on the Rathupaswala incident. Gayan has received specialized training on radio, TV, and cinema at the All-India Radio & Doordarshan TV in New Delhi, and the Film and Television Institute of Pune, India.
Having worked under award-winning, internationally-renowned professionals in the field, he also has extensive knowledge of cinema. Gayan’s professional experience includes working with the critically-acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta whose films have been nominated for the Academy Awards. Currently he is a Head of the Department at the Department of Film and Television Production of the University of Vocational Technology (UoVT).
The National Consultation on Rights-Based Governance of Digital Platforms was successfully held today at the University of Vocational Technology, Ratmalana. This national event was organized in collaboration with UNESCO and partner universities in Nepal and Bangladesh, as part of the regional initiative to localize the UNESCO Guidelines on the Governance of Digital Platforms.
The event was graced by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Mr. Eranga Weerarathne, who attended as the Special Guest.
Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Sunil Kularathne also participated, together with Mr. Dilantha Rathnayake, Dean – Faculty of Industrial Technology, along with Deans of other faculties, Heads of Departments, and members of the academic staff.
International participation included:
• Prof. Kundan Aryal, Head, Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
• Ms. Nirjana Sharma, Program Officer & Head of Communication and Information, UNESCO Nepal
A wide range of stakeholders took part in this consultation, including university lecturers, journalists, media practitioners, civil society activists, digital rights advocates, and lawyers, reflecting a strong multi-sector commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital governance landscape.
The program included expert inputs, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions focusing on mis/disinformation, online safety, regulatory gaps, and the need for rights-based digital governance in Sri Lanka. Insights from this consultation will contribute directly to the regional policy brief and the toolkits for regulators and civil society being developed under the South Asian digital governance initiative.
A successful and meaningful step toward building a safer, rights-respecting, and inclusive digital ecosystem for Sri Lanka.
MER Media Engagement Rating System
I had the privilege of presenting a conference paper on "Data-Driven Media Consumer Behavior Analysis with Media Engagement Rating (MER)" at the prestigious Kathmandu Conference on Communication and Media. This remarkable event was organized by Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the Center for Media Research Nepal. My heartfelt thanks to the organizing committee for the invitation and for providing a platform to share our findings.
The Media Engagement Rating (MER) is the result of continuous research conducted by myself and the incredible team from the Department of Physics and Electronics, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya. Over the past year, we’ve worked to tackle the challenges of audience ratings faced by Sri Lankan television media. This research aims to make a significant contribution to the future of the media industry in Sri Lanka.
This research journey spanned over one and a half years, filled with challenges and learning experiences. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to:
- Prof. Kalinga Mudali (Department of Physics and Electronics, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya) and
- Wijayananda Rupasinghe (Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya) for their invaluable guidance and supervision.
Wedawaru Mobile Application
Wedawaru Mobile Application
Gayan invented the concept of a mobile application exclusively designed for Traditional, Ayurveda, and other alternative medical practitioners in Sri Lanka. This application named 'Wedawaru' was launched in early January in partnership with the Ministry of Ayurveda and Indigenous Medicine. This mobile app provides access to patients to Ayurveda and Traditional doctors throughout the island. They can book appointments for channeling doctors without having to waste time in queues, which saves their time. It also enables doctors to manage their patients by sending notifications and informing patients about availability. The Wedawaru app aims to integrate Ayurvedic spas and other service providers also in the future.
Hospital Management System for Ayurveda Hospital
Hospital Management System for Ayurveda Hospitals
Gayan has been working as a consultant to the State Ministry of Ayurveda and Indigenous Medicine of Sri Lanka for their media campaigns. With his consultation, a health management system to manage information about COVID-19 patients at Ayurveda hospitals was developed by the ministry.
Health and Well-being in Inclusions and Community Services Category
Ayurveda Hospital Management System (AHMS)
www.apewedamahaththaya.gov.lk
www.apewedamahaththaya.gov.lk, which was launched by the Ministry of Ayurveda and Indigenous Medicine, was another concept that was developed by Gayan. This website was developed to present information of all Traditional and Ayurveda doctors in a single catalogue that could be searched by interested parties. It was the first online source of all the Traditional and Ayurveda medical practitioners in Sri Lanka.
Ministry of Ayurveda
Concept Development
Ministry of Education
Education Reforms
National Institute of Education
Media Curriculum Development
Sri Lanka Collage of Journalism
Research & Development
Wijeya Newspapers
Research
St. Anthonys's Coating
Research
Share Colombo
Research
Dankotuwa Porcelain
Research
Thrilled to share the culmination of our journey with UNESCO's 'Youth as Researchers' initiative! Over the course of six intensive months, our dedicated team, comprising Dinithi Samanmali, Fahim Aslam, Gayan Madushanka, Mithuni Jayawardana, and Tharudini, embarked on a profound exploration into the socio-economic landscape of Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Amidst 462 applications, we were humbled to be among the 79 youth researchers selected for this impactful program. Our study, 'Better Living, Better Opportunities: Exploring how economic distress influences the intention to emigrate,' aimed to shed light on the aspirations and challenges faced by our communities.
Our research engaged with 105 participants, representing 30% of the targeted population. The findings were compelling, with nearly 66% expressing their readiness to seize job opportunities abroad for a promising future and the prospect of success.
Our journey wasn't just about data collection it was about fostering understanding and driving change. Beyond the numbers, it was about amplifying the voices of our youth, advocating for their dreams and aspirations.
As we reflect on this transformative experience, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for their unwavering dedication and support. Together, we've not only contributed to academia but also laid the groundwork for meaningful dialogue and action. Here's to the power of research in shaping a brighter tomorrow!
11/04/2024
19/04/2024
Asoka Dias interviews, Mr. Gayan Madushanka, Lecturer, Department of Film and Television Production Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, University of Vocational Technology and Researcher
At the start of Suposha's production, provided consultancy for all its designs, branding and advertising.
Wedawaru Mobile App
Wedawaru Plus Mobile App
Da Vinci Analytica
Klazee Clothing Store
Agni
Sikha Productions
Funny Boy Film T-Shirt
Bicentennial Celebration of 1818 Rebellion
Assistant Art Director : Funny Boy
Director : Deepa Mehta
Producer : David Hamilton
Canadian Film Production
Gayan (Assistant Art Director) onset with Deepa Mehta (Director - Funny Boy)
Art Department Assistant : The Good Karma Hospital Season 1
Graphic Designer : The Good Karma Hospital Season 2
Production : Tiger Aspects , ITV
United Kingdoms Production
Production Designer : Saho
Director : Prof. Ariyarathne Atugala
Great time spent with Tanvi Shah, the first female Indian Grammy Award winner and the iconic voice behind “Jai Ho” from slum bog millionaire. It was truly a great pleasure working with her as the Director for her music video. A wonderful experience filled with creativity, inspiration, and professional collaboration. Grateful for the opportunity and the memorable time shared.
Director/Production Designer : Mala Panala Music Video
Performed by Jo Perera
Melody Composed by Jo Perera & Cozzy (Dilru Costa)
Lyrics by Jeewaka Weerasinghe
Music Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Cozzy (Dilru Costa)
Director/Production Designer : Padi Dawasa Music Video
Performed by Jo Perera
Melody Composed by Jo Perera & Cozzy (Dilru Costa)
Lyrics by Jeewaka Weerasinghe
Music Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Cozzy (Dilru Costa)
ISBN 978-955-30-8601-3
ISBN 978-624-96928-0-0
ISBN 978-624-5675-02-9
Nishhpadana Sawundarya
ISBN - 978-624-00-2636-9
Film and Television Institute of India
Puna - India
All India Radio
New Delhi - India
Doordarshan TV
New Delhi - India
with Deepa Mehta (Director) Ihshan Iqbal (Assistant DIrector) Funny boy set
with Shyam Selvadurai novelist
Script writer - Funny Boy
with Seema Biswas
with Roshan Vichari
Art Director Gully Boy, Happy New Year
with Mahesh Aney at FTI India
DoP - Swadesh
with Mahinda Deshapriya Election Commissioner during the "Film making for democracy workshop"
with Rajendra Guptha onset
with Amanda Redman at wrap party GKH
@Peking Express Realty show
@ TV Commercial
Arla
@ Asia Express Realty Show
@ Unilever TV Commercial
Sun Light
with John jones & Mat Bergel (Stand by Prop Hugo, Robin Hood, Throne, Prince of Persia)
with Ameliya Shankland (Production Designer) Muirelle Wilson (Art Director) GKH
On set Suposha Production
On set GKH season2 with Debbie Burton (Production Designer) Charlie Lynam (Set Decorator)
with John jones & Mat Bergel (Stand1. A memorable collaboration with Tanvi Shah, India’s first female Grammy Award winner and the iconic voice of ‘Jai Ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire, during the direction of her music video.
With Dean Hudson (Lord of the Rings, Avatar) — exchanging Sri Lankan culture and a screened prop from The Hobbit.
A moment with Errol Kelly, my mentor in Production Design and Art Direction.
A moment with Gayan Perera during the preparing his Music Video