Teaching & Core Courses
Since 1991, Dr. Athugala has taught across a wide spectrum of communication disciplines at the University of Kelaniya and beyond.
Advanced Placement Mass Communication
Honours and General degree programmes covering media theory, journalism, broadcast media, and communication research methods.
MA · MSSc · PhD Programmes
Graduate and doctoral supervision in mass communication, media studies, and communication theory at the University of Kelaniya.
Communication Diploma Courses
Diploma-level instruction in media practice, journalism, and communication for professional development across multiple institutes.
Institutions Served
| Institution | Period | Type |
|---|---|---|
| University of Colombo, Journalism Unit | 2006 – Present | Visiting |
| Sri Jayawardenapura University | 2016 – Present | Visiting |
| Dept. of Image Arts, University of Kelaniya | 2017 | Visiting |
| The Open University of Sri Lanka | 1993 – Ongoing | Visiting |
| National Institute of Business Management | 1994 – 1995 | Visiting |
| Sripali Campus, Horana, University of Colombo | 1999 – 2003 | Visiting |
| Education Resources Development Centre, Nittambuwa | 2003 | Seminar |
| Political Academy (Kalutara & Negombo) | 2016 – Present | Visiting |
| Training Unit, Department of Labour | 2000 – 2001 | Training |
| Sri Lanka Foundation Institute | 1998 – 2015 | Visiting |
| Sri Lanka Television Training Institute | 2016 – 2017 | Visiting |
Professional Certifications
Certificate in Television Production
Japanese Government Scholarship — SONY Corporation, Japan. A prestigious training programme in professional television production.
Video Production for Education & Training
Special Certificate from AMIC, Singapore — Asian Mass Communication Research and Information Centre.
TV Film Makers Course
Certificate course at OCIC, Sri Lanka. Certificate for video film "Natath Ayek" also awarded the same year.
Books & Scripts
Dr. Athugala's published works span communication theory, media studies, drama, theatre, cultural commentary, and Sinhala creative writing — many in multiple editions.
Periodicals & Magazines
Desathiya
Consultant Editor. National-level publication during tenure as Director-General of Government Information.
Sanvida Magazine
Chief Editor — Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation publication.
Sannivedakaya Magazine
Chief Editor — Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya.
San Paper
Chief Editor — Department of Mass Communication publication.
Nidahas Samaru Kalapa
Annual commemorative publication series.
Colour of CHOGM / Facets of Opportunity
Special international issues including English language newspaper (5 issues) produced for the CHOGM 2013 occasion.
Research Projects
A distinguished record of research spanning rural development communication, national media studies, children and television, health communication, and sustainable energy.
Short Films for Development Communication
Mahaweli areas, Sri Lanka — October 1983. Examined the use of short films as development communication tools in rural communities.
Development CommunicationMass Consciousness and Television
Island-wide urban and rural study — August 1989. An intensive examination of television's role in shaping mass consciousness across Sri Lankan society.
Media Effects · TelevisionHistory of Sri Lankan Newspapers
For the Department of Sociology, Open University, Sri Lanka — 1989. Ground research for a television documentary on the history of print media in Sri Lanka.
Media HistoryImpact of Television on Children of Sri Lanka
Island-wide study of children aged 3–15 — 1998. Served as consultant for this comprehensive research on television's effects on children.
Children · Media EffectsWorld Bank: Medicinal Plants Communication Strategy
Chief Researcher — Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plants, Sri Lanka. Prepared the Communication Strategic Plan — 1999.
World Bank · DevelopmentMedia Strategic Plan, Co-operative Insurance
Chief Researcher — Co-operative Insurance Company, Sri Lanka (1999). Developed comprehensive media communication strategy for the corporation.
Corporate CommunicationConflict Resolution and Communication
Research Assistant — Study of social, political and ethnic tensions resulting in image distortion of Sri Lanka (2000).
Conflict CommunicationInfluence of Media on Selected Health Issues (JICA)
Consultant (Media) — JICA-funded study for the Ministry of Health. Analysis of media coverage of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex and HIV/AIDS (2003).
Health Communication · JICAChildren and Television in Sri Lanka
Island-wide survey funded by SIDA — Chief Researcher (2003). Also covered "Gender Equity and Media" as a parallel study stream.
SIDA · Gender & MediaMedia Usage for Prevention of Tuberculosis
Chief Researcher — National survey on media strategies for TB prevention in Sri Lanka (2004).
Health CommunicationAudience Research, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation
Chief Researcher — SLRC audience research programme, 2006–2010.
Audience Research · SLRCResearch & Monitoring, Government Information Dept.
Chief Researcher — Government Information Department monitoring unit, 2011–2014.
Government · Policy ResearchSustainable Energy School Programme
Chief Researcher — Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka, 2017.
Energy CommunicationConference Papers & Presentations
"Television Media in Sri Lanka on the Impact of Children"
"ICT for Rural Development"
"History of the Sri Lankan Film" (56 Years)
"Sri Lankan Cinema Amidst Modern Communication Developments"
"Use of ICT and Conventional Media for Development in the Asian Region"
"Rising Above Divides — A Critical Reflection of Sri Lankan National Media"
"The Horse Race Model of Communication"
Mindful Journalism Curriculum — UNESCO / Chulalongkorn University Workshop
Some of presentations of special research papers and participation for international conferences
Community Broadcasting in the Digital Age
Presented a paper titled; "ICT for Rural Development"2001 - Sub Regional Workshop on Community Broadcasting, "Community Broadcasting in the Digital Age" - Sponsored by UNESCO Office, New Delhi in collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya,. 25 Members participated from the SAARC Region India, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively.
TELEVISION MEDIA IN SRI LANKA ON THE IMPACT OF CHILDREN
Presented a paper at the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) Central and South Asia Regional Network Meeting held in Dhaka, Bangladesh - Titled "TELEVISION MEDIA IN SRI LANKA ON THE IMPACT OF CHILDREN" (Excerpts of a Case Study carried out in Sri Lanka by the Research Unit of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya).
Sri Lankan cinema amidst modern communication Developments
"Sri Lankan cinema amidst modern communication Developments" was a paper presented on the occasion of the OCIC Salutation (2002 and 2001), at the Elphinstone Theatre, Colombo, Sri Lanka
History of the Sri Lankan Film
Presented a Research Paper on the "History of the Sri Lankan Film" tracing back the history to 56 years at the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka
Use of ICT & Conventional Media for Development in the Asian Region
Presented a paper titled; "Use of ICT and Conventional Media for Development in the Asian Region" in HARNESSING ICT AND CONVENTIONAL MEDIA FOR POVERTY REDUCTION PROGRAMMES on 1st July 2004 at 13th AMIC Annual Conference ICT & Media Inputs and Development Outcomes. Impact of New and Old Media on Development in Asia, - Bangkok, Thailand
Rising above divides which will be a critical reflection of Sri Lankan National Media
Presented a paper; titled "Rising above divides which will be a critical reflection of Sri Lankan National Media" for South Asian Free Media Association's (SAFMA) Conference in Dhaka.
The Horse Race model of Communication
Presented a paper titled; "The Horse Race model of Communication" in the ICCFMS 2015: 17th International Conference on Communication, Film and Media Sciences to be held in London, World Academy of Science, United Kingdom.
UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication
Bangkok workshop to introduce new mindful journalism curriculum for regional integration, Within the framework of UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication , the Communication Arts Faculty of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok is hosting a ten-day workshop from 4 to 12 July to introduce the new mindful journalism training curriculum drawn from Asia’s age-old philosophical wisdoms
National Posts & Responsibilities
Awards & Honours
Prize for Excellence in Media Education
Hideo Shimizu Foundation, Sri Lanka — 2000. Recognised for outstanding contribution to media education in Sri Lanka.
Wayamba Puthra Prasadini Abhinandana
2004 — National award recognising distinguished contributions in education, creative arts, media, and national service.