‘Sanjanani 2018’ – Communication & Public Relations Festival organized by the Department of Mass Communication was successfully held from the 08th to 12th of December 2018 at the University premises. This programme which was held for the 17th consecutive time, was organized under the assistance of the undergraduates who follow B.A. (Special) Degree in Mass Communication and B.A. (Special) Degree in Mass Communication & Media Management.

In relation to ‘Sanjanani 2018’ – Communication & Public Relations Festival, a National Research Conference on Mass Communication was held on the 08th of December at the University premises and it was organized for the first time.

“Alambana” Photography Exhibition organized for the third time by the undergraduates of the Department of Mass Communication was held this time in relation to ‘Sanjanani 2018’. This exhibition which was held on the 10th of December at the Art Gallery of the University consisted more than 80 photos. “Alambana” Photography Festival was held under two sessions and the certificates and awards were distributed to the winners at the opening ceremony. Sachini K. Gunarathne, a first year undergraduate who follow B.A. (Special) Degree in Mass Communication won the first place for a photo captured by her, at the competition which was limited to special degree undergraduates of the Department. Two photographs by Amani Ireshika, a third year undergraduate who follow B.A. (Special) Degree in Public Relations and Media Management won the second and the third places. Chamith Balasinghe won the first place in Open Photography Competition. Amal Senarath Bandara and Madusha Senevirathne won the second and third places respectively of the same competition. The workshop for school teachers organized in relation to ‘Sanjanani’ was held this time aiming the subject teachers. Nearly 100 teachers island wide participated in the workshop. Prof. Chandrasiri Rajapaksha, Prof. Mapa Thilakarathne and Senior Lecturer Aruna Lokuliyana conducted the workshop.

“Harasara” Award Ceremony: the appreciation of veterans in the field of Media and Public Relations was held on the 11th of December. The Veteran Musician, Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa and the Veteran Announcer Mr. Palitha Perera were appreciated at the ceremony. On behalf of late Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa, his wife, Ms. Somalatha Kemadasa and the daughter, Ms. Gayathri Kemadasa graced the occasion. A journal which contains research articles related to the field of Communications & Public Relations was also launched at the ceremony.

“Ape Hendewa” Show performed by the undergraduates who follow Degree Programmes in Mass Communication and Public Relations & Media Management marked the end of ‘Sanjanani’- Communication & Public Relations Festival. This show which consisted of traditional and creative performances, became a fantastic experience for the academic & non- academic staff members and undergraduates. During the ceremony, certificates were distributed to the winners of the inter- school announcing competition which was held in relation to ‘Sanjanani 2017’.

All the events organized in relation to ‘Sanjanani 2018’ were held under the patronage of Senior Prof. Lakshman Senevirathne, Deputy Vice- Chancellor. Present at the occasion were Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathne, Dean- Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Patrick Rathnayake, Dean- Faculty of Humanities, Ven. Dr. Kapugollewe Anandakiththi Thero, Chief Student Counsellor, Cadre Chair & Senior prof. N.P. Sunil- Chandra, Chairman- Research Council, Senior Lecturer Mr. Aruna Lokuliyana, Head- Department of Mass Communication, Award- Winning Prof. Sunanda Mahendra, academic staff members and undergraduates.

A massive crowd including journalists, public relation officers, school teachers, undergraduates of other universities and school students participated in this festival which was held for several days at the University premises.