by PRIYAN DE SILVA 

InSPIRE (Incubator Space for Promoting Information Right and Freedom of Expression)  launched an incubator space at the Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura last week.

 An Incubator Space is an integrated learning space that provides opportunities for multi-disciplinary learning, networking, collaboration with resource persons, media sector professionals and peer learning for aspiring young media and journalism students. Each incubator space is equipped with a broadcasting area, media equipment, co-working space, a lounge area and conference facilities.

 Sri Jayewardenepura is the third University in Sri Lanka where HELVETAS Intercooperation gGmbH Sri Lanka, under the InSPIRE project, has established an incubator space. The other two incubator spaces were established in collaboration with Media and Journalism students and lecturers at the Department of Agriculture Extension at the University of Peradeniya and the Department of Media Studies at the University of Jaffna.

 The opening ceremony, at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, comprises a visual tour of the space with students presenting their experiences through the project, and a reflective session by the students of Mass Communication who shared their insights on the importance of the newly established incubator space.

Nicolas Gerrad – International Aid Cooperation Officer and Programme Manager, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda – Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Chandula Kumbukage; Project Manager of the InSPIRE Project HELVETAS,  Dr. Samantha Ratnayake, Chairperson Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF), Dr. Senani Harischandra – Coordinator Mass Communication and Senior lecturer, Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication, Dr. Senesh Dissanayake – Senior Lecturer Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication, Imesha Dharmasena, Azad Mohammed – Programme Director of SDJF, staff members of HELVETAS and SDJF,  faculty members and undergraduate students of Mass Communication at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were present at the opening.

The project “Incubator Space for Promoting Information Right and Freedom of Expression” (InSPIRE) is funded by the European Union and co-implemented by HELVETAS Intercooperation gGmbH Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Development Journalists Forum.