Introducing Incubator Spaces to Media and Journalism Students at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

“When the environment develops, we also develop with the environment. It is paramount to develop both the physical resources and human resources. … Creating spaces like this will enrich the mind of students. This is what we aspire for our students in the University,” said Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage, the Vice Chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP) during the Orientation programme conducted by HELVETAS Intercooperation gGmbH (HELVETAS) to introduce the Incubator Space created by HELVETAS for the Mass Communication Students at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The establishment of the Incubator Spaces was possible under the Incubator Spaces for Promoting Information Right and Freedom of Expression (InSPIRE) project funded by the European Union and co-implemented by Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF).

The Orientation programme which was held on the 3rd of October 2022, focused on formally introducing the Incubator Space as a multi-disciplinary learning experience for Mass Communication Students and Lecturers whilst at the same time explaining its functions, ground rules and best practices for using and maintaining the space etc.  The Incubator Space designed by interior designer Vithya Subhasranjan consists of a lounge area, co-working, broad casting space equipped with media equipment and conference facilities.

Dr. Senani Harischandra, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator – Mass Communication at the Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication at the University highlighted the importance of receiving this Incubator Space from HELVETAS for Mass Communications students, as this will enable them to engage in practical learning relevant to Media and Communication.

“University of Sri Jayewardenepura was in search of new opportunities for developing skills of its students and as well as development of physical infrastructure facilities for students in the University, and Helvetas and SDJF approached the University at the right time and the University was eager to grab this opportunity of benefitting under the InSPIRE project, “ said the Vice Chancellor of the University further during his speech. Speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, thanked the European Union for funding this project as well HELVETAS for providing the Incubator Space along with Media Equipment and SDJF for its active role played in developing knowledge and practical skills among the Mass Communication Students as well as the Vice Chancellor, management and the Mass Communication lecturers for their support in establishing this Incubator Space.

The Country Director of HELVETAS, Ms. Subhashi Dissanayake highlighted that the creation of the Incubator Space and the opportunities provided for multi-disciplinary learnings as well as to promote Freedom of Expression and Right to Information contributes to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development goals. She further emphasized the importance of using the Incubator space and the media equipment donated under the project responsibly and meaningfully.

Speaking at the Orientation,  SDJF Program Director, Mr. Azad Mustaffa acknowledged the enthusiasm of Mass Communication lecturers in promoting practical learning among students. In previous occasions too the University has cooperated well with SDJF during its capacity building programmes conducted for students.   He further added that, SDJF’s role under the InSPIRE project is to develop capacity among media students in the selected universities whilst HELVETAS’s role is establishing incubator spaces in collaboration with the universities and hence the impact of both these efforts rely on how the students use this Space to be creative and innovative.

The Mass Communication students were thankful to both HELVETAS and SDJF for the opportunities provided to them under the project. Some students reflected on the difficulties they had to face when developing video stories for University projects due to lack of suitable space for recording videos. Now they are confident that they can do a better job in developing their journalistic skills as the Incubator Space fulfills almost all the requirements. The Liaison Officer of InSPIRE project and Mass Communication undergraduate, Ishara Wadduwage, “This Space is not only ours. This will be beneficial to our juniors. We need to use the equipment and the Space with care. So that after our time here, future generations of students can use this Space and equipment for their development.”

On the sidelines of the Orientation, HELVETAS handed over media equipment required for the Incubator Space to the University, whilst SDJF formally presented the tri-lingual copies of the four modules: Freedom of Expression, Right to Information, Digital Citizenship and Gender in New Media to the Vice Chancellor and the Dean as well as the academic staff.

The orientation programme on Incubator Space was graced by Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage, the Vice Chancellor of University of Sri Jayawardanapura; Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor. Kusumalatha Lankamulla, Head of Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication; Dr. Senani Harischandra, Coordinator – Mass Communication & Senior Lecturer Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication; Dr. Senesh Dissanaike, Senior Lecturer, Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication; Ms. Imesha Dharmasena, Senior Lecturer, Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication; Prof. G. Weerasinghe, Department of Economics; Ms. Subhashi Dissanayake – Country Director, HELVETAS; Ms. Chandula Kumbukage – Project Manager, HELVETAS; Mr. Mohamad Azad – Programme Director, SDJF; Ms. Ramona Stephen – Project Officer, HELVETAS; Mr. Selvaraj Selvamanikkam – Finance Officer, HELVETAS and Ms. Ayodhya Krishani – Communications Officer, SDJF and 50 Mass Communications undergraduate students.