The Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the Communication & Media Unit, the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), and UNICEF Sri Lanka, successfully conducted a one-day capacity-building workshop titled "Multidisciplinary Approaches to Ethical Reporting on Child Protection" on 1st July 2025, at the Auditorium of the Staff Development Centre, University of Kelaniya.

This event was held under the framework of the International Conference on Child Protection (ICCP) 2025, the first international conference in Sri Lanka dedicated exclusively to child protection. The workshop brought together undergraduate participants from the Department of Mass Communication and the Department of Drama, Cinema & Television, aiming to strengthen their awareness and skills in ethical, professional, and sensitive reporting on issues affecting children.

The official inauguration of the workshop was graced by Prof. Ravi Dissanayake, Director of the Staff Development Centre, and a distinguished academic delegation from the Centre for Gender Studies, including Senior Professor Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Director, CGSUK and Chair of ICCP 2025; Dr. Sulochani Ramanayake, Co-Secretary – Academic; Dr. Amila Jeewandara, Co-Secretary – Logistics; Prof. Nayana Gunathilake; Dr. S. D. Edirisinghe; Dr. Pavithra Godamune; and Dr. Dilani Wickramaarachchi. Representatives from UNICEF Sri Lanka and the National Child Protection Authority were also present, reaffirming institutional support for child-focused journalism training.

The workshop sessions featured expert-led presentations on media ethics, child protection law, institutional frameworks, and practical group work focused on real-world case studies and ethical dilemmas. Dr. Hemamal Jayawardane from UNICEF Sri Lanka delivered a session on “The Importance of Ethical Reporting on Children.” Senior Lecturers Mr. Wijayananda Rupasinghe and Ms. Samanthika Priyadharshani explored on “Media Ethics with Special Reference to Children,” while Mr. Jagath Liyana Arachchi from the Right to Information Commission and Dr. Viranjana Herath, Chairperson of the Media Law Forum, contributed insights on “Legal Frameworks Related to Ethical Reporting.” Ms. Shaanika Malalgoda from the NCPA discussed on “Institutional Perspectives on Child Protection.”

A panel discussion titled “Charting the Way Forward for Ethical Reporting on Children” concluded the event, featuring Ms. Shaanika Malalgoda, NCPA; Ms. Lakna Paranamanna, UNICEF; Senior Lecturers Wijayananda Rupasinghe and Samanthika Priyadharshani; and Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, and was moderated by Senior Lecturer Dammika Bandara Herath.

The programme was coordinated by the ICCP 2025 Media Team, chaired by Senior Lecturer Ms. Samanthika Priyadharshani, and included Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Senior Lecturer Diwanka Randunu Podduwage, Assistant Lecturers Hansani Jayawickrama and Harshana Eranga Gunasinghe, along with committed student volunteers Thejani Senathilake, Savindu Dilshara, I. T. M. Supipi Sewwandi, Kaushalya N. S. M. Patabandige, and A. M. Nelumdeniya.

Overall coordination of the event was led by Ms. Harshani Karunanayake, Conference Coordinator of ICCP 2025. The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of the need for responsible and rights-based media engagement on child protection issues in Sri Lanka.