The President’s Media Division launched the “Kaleidoscope 2024 Screen Media for Gen-Z” initiative, aimed at equipping school students with practical media knowledge. The program, inaugurated today (20) at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), is a collaborative effort with an advisory board comprising representatives from the Presidential Secretariat, Ministry of Education, public and private media entities, academia, and industry experts.

In its initial phase, 158 students from thirty-one schools with active media units have been chosen to participate in the 16-week program, conducted once a week. Generous sponsorship from Unilever Lanka, SLIT Educational Institute, and Lanka IOC supports the initiative.

The program’s commencement involved educating students on media fundamentals, led by Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Mr. Sudheera Nilanga Withana, along with Directors from the Presidential Media Division, Engineer Mr. Stanley Hettiarachchi, and Ms. Nadeera Madugalle.

Veteran journalist Udham Satarasinghe, renowned artist Sudath Devapriya, and former head of the Media Department at the National Institute of Education, Mr. Bandula P. Dayaratne, delivered special lectures as guest speakers.

In the program’s second phase, students will receive six additional days of education across five skill areas, led by expert teachers and industry professionals.

All electronic media organizations in Sri Lanka have united in support of this initiative, offering participating students the opportunity for a two-day visit to gain practical knowledge. Furthermore, leading private sector institutions, recognizing the importance of branding and marketing understanding for journalists, have opened their doors to provide students with first-hand experience, ensuring they are equipped not just for today’s world, but also for the innovations of the future.