The Cabinet has approved a proposal for the establishment of a Mass Media Higher Education, Research and Training Institute in Sri Lanka, Minister of Mass Media Dullas Alahapperuma announced today.
He stated via Twitter today that the institution will be identified as the Institute of Chartered Journalists of Sri Lanka.
Issuing a statement, the Cabinet said the need for the establishment of a state-sponsored institution to identify the problems in the field of journalism and to promote and maintain high standards in the field of media education in accordance with local and international academic standards has been identified.
Although there are a significant number of students studying journalism, especially in schools, high-quality educational institutions have not yet been established to meet the requirement.
There are several degree programs in mass communication in the university system, but it has been observed that these courses do not provide sufficient practical knowledge for creating a professional journalist, the Government pointed out.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Mass Media to establish the Institute of Chartered Journalists of Sri Lanka as an Institute of Media Higher Education, Research and Training which can provide undergraduate and postgraduate level study opportunities in the subject of Mass Media.
The purpose of the institute is to provide practical training to journalists, media managers who are already working in the field of journalism, as well as school children who aspire to enter the field of journalism, and to develop their capabilities, enhance their professionalism, and create a media culture with ethical autonomy. (NewsWire)
Received the Cabinet approval to establish the Chartered Institute of Journalists in 🇱🇰. It's prime intention is to usher local journalists the professional integrity they deserve. Let it also guide 🇱🇰s aspiring journalists to engage in more professional & ethical media practice.
— Dullas Alahapperuma (@DullasOfficial) October 6, 2021