Finalizing and implementing the Journalism and Media Project proposal Mode: Hybrid – In-person and via Zoom
3rd November 2025 | Centre for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR), Faculty of Law, University of Colombo
Summary of the Meeting
Date: 3rd November 2025
Time: 4:30 PM
Venue: Centre for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR), Faculty of Law, University of Colombo
Purpose: Finalizing and implementing the Journalism and Media Project proposal
Mode: Hybrid – In-person and via Zoom
Participants: Members of the Board of Management, invited media professionals, and collaborators.
Attendance
1. Dr. Shamila Dawood – Secretary General
2. Mr. M. H. M. Saifdeen – Vice President / Patron
3. Mr. Wazeer Muhktar – Vice President
4. Mr. M. A. M. Hakeem – Vice President
5. Ms. M. N. M. Munawwara – Treasurer – (Zoom)
6. Ms. Shanaz Hakeem – Assistant Secretary General (Zoom)
7. Dr. Ali Ahlam Nawaz – Member
8. Mr. Shiraz Fouz – Member
9. Mr. Shimak Noufer – Member (Zoom)
10. Ms. Rizla Ashraff – Secretarial Assistant, BOM (Zoom)
The meeting was convened to finalize the project proposal and discuss implementation strategies for the RPSL Consortium’s Media and Journalism initiative. The session was held at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, with several members attending in person while others joined virtually.
Mr. M. A. M. Hakeem, explained the proposal in detail and emphasized the importance of effective collaboration. He highlighted that the credibility and reputation of collaborating institutions are critical to the success of the project.
The members discussed admission procedures, including the possibility of charging an admission fee and introducing an RPSL scholarship scheme to support deserving candidates. The conversation also covered identifying financial and working partners, with organizations such as the Muslim Media Forum and Lake House mentioned as potential collaborators. Additionally, the inclusion of ITN and Journalist Mr. Iqbal as possible collaborators was also discussed.
A key point of discussion was that RPSL should remain the principal authority overseeing the project. Members agreed that formalizing partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be essential to clarify roles and responsibilities.
The meeting also had the honour of welcoming Mr. Irfan, a well-known media professional and journalist from Vasantham TV, who joined the discussion. Mr. Irfan shared his personal experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities in the media field, especially regarding ethical journalism, cultural understanding, and the use of ethical AI in media practices.
Members of BOM and Mr. Irfan emphasized how media can serve as a bridge to create understanding between cultures and the importance of creating a quality, ethical media community. Topics such as curriculum design, recruitment, training, promotion, and awareness strategies for the program were also discussed.
The participants also discussed identifying potential trainees and professionals who already have some experience in journalism, with the aim of further grooming their skills. Additionally, topics like geopolitical reporting, crime reporting, and managing media sensitivity were discussed as crucial learning areas.
In the concluding session, it was agreed to:
● Finalize and draft the project proposal incorporating the new inputs.
● Prepare and circulate emails to potential partner organizations.
● Draft and expedite the MOU with identified collaborators.
● Fix a follow-up date for discussion and signing with the three main partners.
The meeting ended with appreciation to all attendees both in person and online for their valuable participation, ideas, and commitment to moving the project toward successful implementation.