Professor in Communication
BA (Colombo), MPhil (Kelaniya), PhD ( NUM)Social Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
RG GS
Professor in Communication
Contact:
Department of Social Studies , Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Office: 0112881403, Ext: 2413
E-mail: gtmad@ou.ac.lk
Biography
Graduated from the University of Colombo with a first class, but became an academic only at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Starting my first job as an academic is also one of the most significant things happened in my life. Completing my PhD studies at the age of thirty and becoming a professor in my thirties also made my academic career quite strong. Teaching and doing research are the best ways of keeping me happy as an academic. I did my internship at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and was an assistant producer (trainee) of the “Watarauma” and “Irida Aubovan” programmes.
Academic and professional Qualifications
Prof. Galagedarage has obtained a first class in the first time in the history of Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo.
She was awarded a PhD scholarship from the World Bank. Prof. Galagedarage was also awarded the Doctoral Completion Award and the prize (on time completion) by the National University of Malaysia in 2013.
She was also awarded the best OUSL research awards by the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Bachelor of Arts (special) of four years duration in Mass Media with a first class at the University of Colombo
Master of Philosophy Degree (MPhil) of two years duration in Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya with a research component
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) of three years duration in Communication at the National University of Malaysia with a research component including the one year research training at the National University of Singapore(NUS).
Certificate of Teaching in Higher Education (CTHE) Programme conducted by the Staff Development Center of the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Completed the Research Writing in the Social Sciences course conducted by INASP in UK with a Merit grade.
Research
My passion for Communication and media studies began when I went on a field trip to “Lake house” as a school student. Good practices like writing for newspapers and being critical and sensitive on contemporary socioeconomic, cultural & political issues lead me to be a good communicator during my undergraduate studies. Communication plays a significant role in our day to day life as well as in the development process in a country. Many of my research focus on new media communications including social media and community development. My PhD research was also mainly on new media and rural empowerment.
The most recent research of mine are on social media, disaster communication and communication research. Apart from these areas, an audience based research has been done with the Ministry of Mass Media a few years back. Freedom of expression is key to Media and Communication studies. My recent research are mainly done on right to information, Media ethics, traditional folk communications, ODL and e- Learning, media education etc. I supervise several postgraduate students with a board range of research interests.
Last Updated on 4 weeks
Research interests:Development Communication, Rural empowerment, Right to Information, New Media, Social Media, ICT & Digital Divide, Disaster Communication, Communication Research and Audience Research, Traditional folk media communications, Women and Media, Children and Media, Animal Communication, Television and education, Creative Communication, Media Education, Media Ethics and Freedom of Expression, Right to Information, Open and Distance Learning (ODL), E- Learning
Affiliations:President of the Young Social Scientists Association of the National Science Foundation in 2018
Member at International Association for Social Sciences and Humanities (IASSH) from 2022.
Appointed as the chief examiner for the subject on ‘Communication and Media Studies’ in the General Certificate of Education: Advanced Level (G.C.E A/L) examination for the evaluation panel in Kalutara in 2020 and in Colombo in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Member of the committee of the lesson writing for the General Certificate of Education: Advanced Level (G.C.E A/L) syllabus in Media and Communication Studies at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in 2019.
Member of the academic panel of experts who worked on the report of the assessment of the broadcast ratings system in Sri Lanka in 2016 commissioned by the Department of Government Information, Ministry of Finance and Mass Media.
Member of the panel of experts who work on the ethical guidelines for reporting on children in 2024 commissioned by the National Child Protection Authority.
Member of the panel of experts who work on the Draft bill of National Institute of Media Studies and Research in 2021 commissioned by the Ministry of Mass Media.
Member of the committee on establishment of the Chartered Institute for journalists commissioned by the Ministry of Mass Media in 2021.
Member of the committee on establishment of the media council commissioned by the Ministry of Mass Media in 2022.
Member of the committee on drafting the code of ethics for women, children and marginalized groups commissioned by the Ministry of Mass Media in 2024.
Principle Supervisor for the Science Research Projects Competition (SRPC) 2021 organized by the National Science Foundation.
Took responsibility for evaluation of answer scripts of the University Grants Commission Examination for the recruitment of Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Registrars held on 4th and 5th April 2009.
Member of the board of directors of National Secretariat for Media Reforms (2017- to date)
Reviewer, program review of external degree programs conducted by the UGC in 2022.
Member of the Curriculum revision committee of FAHSS- Communication appointed by the UGC in 2024.
Member of the jury panel for the Presidential Media Awards 2023 commissioned by the Media Ministry.
Contributions:Contributions to the university
Served as an Acting Head of the Department of Social Studies in December 2019.
Chair of the Faculty Research Committee from May 2024.
Chair of the Quality Assurance committee of the Department of Social Studies from 2020.
Appointed as the chair/ convener of the Humanities and Social Sciences discipline of the Open University Research Sessions 2023 (OURS 2023)
Serving as the faculty representative for the IT committee from 2020.
Serving as the faculty representative for the Board of Management for CENTRE FOR NATIONAL ONLINE DISTANCE EDUCATION SERVICE (C-NODES) from 2022
Serving as the Department representative for the University Course Development committee from 2023.
Served as a member of the Research Committee of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences from 2017 to 2022.
Served as an organizing committee member of the Student symposium at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2019.
Served as the chair of the committee of publicity and promotion of the Student symposium at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2017.
Served as a member of the institutional review working committee (criterion 10) at the OUSL in 2019.
Served as a member of the SER programme review committee (criterion 1) at the Department of Social Studies in 2017.
Served as a faculty representative for the industry Liaison Center at the OUSL from 2017-2020.
Served as the faculty representative for the New OMIS committee from 2021 to 2022.
Main coordinator of the video production team and the director for the video clip on BA degree in Social Sciences that facilitates the student registration for the academic year 2020/ 2021.
Member of the faculty prospectus committee of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2019.
Served as a QIG Course Team Manager for the course material development in level 5 in Communication studies in the BA degree programme in Social Sciences in 2016.
Served as a member of the Mohapola and Bursary Committee of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (2015-2017).
Served as a department representative for the Mohapola and Bursary Committee from 2015 to 2019.
Made a presentation on ‘Issues in Internet adoption among rural communities in Sri Lanka’ in the monthly faculty communication of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences on 1st of June 2015.
Served as a member of the registration Committee in the Department of Social Studies in academic years 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2018/2019 2019/2020 and 2020/2021.
Counseling students at the time of registration and conducting pre-orientation sessions/ orientations mainly in Colombo center from 2008 to date.
Participating in orientations, tutor clinics and student awareness programmes etc. in Matara regional center in 2008, 2009, 2018, 2019 & 2020.
Served as a chairperson of the Board of Survey in 2015 for the VC’s office, RES office, PIO and Operations divisions in the OUSL.
Served as a member of the student inquiry committee on preliminary investigation on the accident of organising a New Year festival at the university without obtaining the prior approval from the Vice- chancellor in 2016.
Served as a member of the committee to conduct a preliminary investigation on violation of student discipline – fight between two students’ group in 2018.
Member of the panel of judges to the Sarasavi Prathibha progrmme – 2019 inter university students’ talent competition conducted by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.
Served as a Vice President, Public Relations at the Toastmasters club, OUSL in 2018
Served as a Vice President, Membership at the Toastmasters club, OUSL in 2017
Member of the main committee of the restructuring the BA Degree in Social Sciences and department restructuring in 2020 – as the QC chair of the department. Also, a member of the Sub-Committee to sort out the nature and the title of the proposed BA degree programme and a member of the Advocacy Committee of the restructuring the BA degree in Social Sciences.
Member of the Subcommittee- AAOU2021 session coordinators
Member of the Faculty committee for providing comments on proposed changes to Procedural Manual for Final examinations in 2021.
Member of the Faculty sub committee for providing comments/ observations on Revised Classification of Types of Online Courses delivered at the Open University of Sri Lanka
Advisor/ observer and evaluator of the LLB selection test conducted by the Open University of Sri Lanka
The representative of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Exco member of the Open University Teachers’s Association- OUTA (2023/2024)
The moderator of the discussion on “protecting the culture of democratic media as a highest priority in nation building” conducted by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in collaboration with the Research Unit of the Open University of Sri Lanka on 8th September 2023.
The resource person of the discussion on the novel “Rogin Madha Nirogiwa” conducted by the Library of the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Resource person for the Pre conference workshop on ‘How to complete a PhD successfully’ conducted by the HSS subcommittee of the Open University Research Session 2023 (OURS 2023) on 8th NOV 2023.
Chair of the Session on Humanities and Social Sciences(HSS) of the Open University Research Session 2023 (OURS 2023) on 10th NOV 2023.
Chair of the Session on Humanities and Social Sciences(HSS) of the International Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka on 8th NOV 2024.
Chair of an examination offence committee handled by the Examination Division of the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2023
National and International Levels
Visiting lecturer for the courses on “Principles of Communication” and “Media History” in BA degree in Media Studies from 2007 to 2010 and also visiting lecturer for the course on “New Media” in the MA in Media and Communication Studies of the Sri Palee campus of the University of Colombo in 2016.
Conducted the lectures for the module on “New Media Communications” in the Executive MSC in Mass Communication of the CICRA Campus from 2019 to date
Conducted some guest lectures at the Sri Lanka College of Journalism in 2018.
Conducted a guest lecture on “New Media Communications” for the Higher Diploma in Media and Communication Studies conducted by the Sri Lanka Press Council on the 10th December 2020 and a guest lecture on ” Traditional folk media in Sri Lanka: Uses and practices” on the 10th of April 2021 and a guest lecture on “Social Media” on 09th September 2023.
Resource person for the discussion on “Importance of Media Regulation” on the 10th of June 2021 conducted by the Sri Lanka press Council.
Resource person for the discussion on “The Social Responsibility of Media, Impact of citizen journalism and the future of Sri Lanka” on the 23rd of June 2021 conducted by the Department of Government Information.
Resource person for the discussion on “Modern mass media, social media and world trends in media regulations” on the 11th of July 2021 conducted by the Department of Government Information.
Made a presentation titled” The role of traditional forms of communication for empowering agricultural related livelihood in rural Sri Lanka” on the 5th of July conducted by the Faculty Research Committee, OUSL
Made a presentation titled” The impact of Television on Education in rural Sri Lanka during Covid 19 Pandemic” on the 16th of July conducted by the Academic Circle, OUSL .
Resource person for the Drug awareness campaign for school students in 2022
Resource person for the Social Media awareness programme conducted for the women candidates during the election in 2023.
Resource person for the discussion on ” Social Media Regulation” on the 12th of June 2021 conducted by the Purawasi Hada organization.
Resource person for the discussion on ‘Girl child and future women in 2025’ on the 22nd of October 2021 on Real life TV
Resource person for the discussion on ” World Women’s day 2022″ on the 8th of March 2022 on Real Life TV.
Resource person for the discussion on ” World poetry day 2022″ on the 28th of March 2022 on Real Life TV.
Resource person for the workshop on “Communication and Media for O/L students”, session on “Traditional media”, session on “Social Media”, session on “Communication and Media for A/L students” and motivational speech in 2021 conducted by Taxila Central College in Horana.
Resource person for the workshop conducted by Zahira College, Maradana for the A/L students who follow Communication and Media subject on 27th September 2022.
Member of the panel of judges to the Research Video Competition conducted by the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Peradeniya in 2022 and 2023.
Scientific committee member to the 11th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2024), 10th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2023) 9th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2022), the 8th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2021) , the 7th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2020), 6th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2019) and to the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2018) conducted by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM).
Chair, Session on Communication and Media Studies of the 8th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICOSS 2021).
Plenary speech on “The role of media in promoting sustainable development goals” at the 11th International Conference on Social Sciences 2024 conducted by the TIIKM on 11th OCT 2024.
Guest Speaker at the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences Conducted by the ICSS Indonesia 0n 20th August 2024.
The country coordinator, moderator and panel speaker to the 9th International conference on Social Sciences 2022 (ICOSS 2022)
The country coordinator and the chair of the session on Communication Studies of the 10th International conference on Social Sciences 2023 (ICOSS 2023)
The rapporteur of the discussion on Access to Information and Internet Freedom in South Asia conducted by FACTUM in collaboration with the UNESCO.
Evaluation panel member and the session chair for the session on ‘Social Media, Feminisms and Entertainment’ at the World Conferences on Women’s Studies, 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2024 in Colombo.
Key note speaker, ICOSSHTech 2021 conference organized by the National University of Malaysia.
Guest at the Annual prize giving of the Taxila Central College. Horana in 2022.
Chief Guest at the Perfect Day of the Mahinda Rajapaksha College, Homagama in 2023.
Member of the panel of judges to the scholarship programme conducted by the Makandura Foundation in 2024.
Resource person for the Janani programme conducted by the CaFFE Sri Lanka on Use of Social Media during the election in 2023
Resource person for the training session organized by the Ministry of Mass Media and UNDP for the provincial journalists in December 2023 and 2024.
Chair, session on Education, Technology and Innovation of the 1st International Research Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches (IRCIA 2024) of the Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies in August 2024.
Guest Speaker at the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences conducted by Green Publishers in collaboration with Poltex Campus in Indonesia on 2oth August 2024, titled “THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEW MEDIA COMMUNICATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY”
Chair of the session on HSS at the 1st International Conference conducted by Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies.
Resource person for the discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of social media conducted by the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka in July 2024
Member of the committee working on the Communication glossary initiated by the Media center of the Kotalawala Defense University in 2024/ 2025.
Participated as the chief guest for the prefects’ investiture ceremony – 2024 at Ananda Balika Girls School in Kotte.
Participated as the chief guest for the Cultural show at Ananda Shasthralaya Kotte in 2024.
Participated as the chief guest for the Cultural Show at Musaeus college in 2024
Participated as the chief guest for the Award ceremony of Mudu Rekha Academy in 2024.
Participated as the guest speaker for the seminar on Reading Habits among University Students organized by the Library of the Open University of Sri Lanka on 2nd November 2024.
Resource person for the discussion on Digital literacy and social media regulations done for the documentary produced by the Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo in 2023.
Resource person for the discussion on the impact of new media on society conducted by the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka in April 2024.
Resource person for the training session on Media Ethics- Privacy for the provincial journalists in January 2024.
Resource person for the workshop on the Online Safety Act conducted by the Media Law Forum in June 2024
Resource person for the discussion on “The Online Safety Act” organized by the Sri Lanka Press Council on 19th March 2024.
Instructor for the media literacy programme conducted by American Center Colombo and Rainbow Resources Lanka (Gte) Ltd. in 2021.
Assistant producer (trainee) of the “Watarauma” and “Irida Aubovan” programmes at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in 2006.
Conducted a guest lecture on “ICT and development” at the University of Colombo, on 25th October 2015.
Resource person for the public seminar on “Media and right of journalists” in Galle and Negombo commissioned by the National Secretariat for Media Reforms (NSMR) in Sri Lanka in 2018
Conducted a guest lecture on ‘Issues in Internet adoption among rural women in Sri Lanka’ of the Tun Fatimah Hashim Women’s Leadership Center of the National University of Malaysia on 08th January 2014.
Participated in Vietnam Women discussion forum conducted by the Tun Fatimah Hashim Women’s Leadership Center of the National University of Malaysia on 15th November 2013.
Vice secretary of the “Amigos club IZISH” of the National University of Malaysia in 2011/2012.
Participated in the Malay poem competition under international category in the National University of Malaysia and obtained 3rd place on October 2011.
Participated in the International food festival in the National University of Malaysia on December 2012.
TV and Radio Programmes
Resource person for the ‘Malpara’ TV programme on the ITN on 8th August 2017.
Resource person for the ‘Salmal Yaya’ TV programme on the ITN on 16th August 2017.
Resource person for the ‘ITN 38th Anniversary’ TV programme on the ITN on 5th June 2017.
Resource person for the ‘Rise and Shine’ TV programme on the Eye channel on t 22nd January 2019.
Resource person for the special radio programme on “Media and Children” on the Lak FM channel in 2018.
Resource person for the “Radio Kata” radio programme on the ITN radio channel in 2018.
Participated in a TV programme on “International Students in Malaysia’ on TV3 Malaysia as a resource person in 2012.
Participated in a radio interview on ‘Malaysian media’’ on Radio Midas in Malaysia in 2012.
Resource person for the discussion on ” Music for mental health” on 13th March 2022.
Resource person for the discussion on ” World Women’s day 2022″ on 8th of March 2022 on Real Life TV.
Resource person for the “Talking books” programme on Derana 24 channel on 6th August 2021 and on the 5th of March 2022 (two different programmes).
Resource person for the ” Senehasa programme on the student and teacher relationship” on Derana 24 channel on 21st March 2022.
Resource person for the “Nugasewana- positive thinking” programme on Rupavahini channel on 29th April 2022.
Resource person for the ” Senehasa poya day programme on good practices” on Derana 24 channel on 14th June 2022.
Resource person for the discussion on ” Media literacy” for Livisariya programme on Charana TV on 21st June 2022.
Resource person for the discussion on ” Family communications” for Adharaneeya Jeewithaya programme on Siyatha TV 7th July 2022.
Resource person for the voice cut on Media ethics for the SLRC news on 7th July 2022.
Resource person for the discussion on the issues faced by women in the contemporary society on 121Sanda TV on 4th October 2022
Resource person for the discussion on the impact of new media on children on Siyatha TV on 6th October 2022
Resource person for the ” Senehasa programme on Benefits of Reading” on Derana 24 channel on 2nd of November 2022.
Resource person for the TV programme on Gaja TV on 17th of November 2022.
Resource person for the discussion on the impact of media on women in managing the financial situation within the family on Siyatha TV on 18th January 2023.
Resource person for the discussion on the impact of social media on women on Siyatha TV on 10th March 2023.
Resource person for the programme on International women’s day on Hiru TV on 8th March 2023.
Resource person for the Prabashwari programme on Welenda Sevaya on 10th March 2023.
Resource person for the programme on International women’s day on the Open university you tube channel on 8th March 2023.
Resource person for the “Ree 10 and Gee 10” music programme on Siyata Radio on 17th April 2023
Resource person for the “Premathatakaya” music programme on Lakhada Radio in 15th May 2023
Resource person for the “Subarathi programme” on Child Psychology and the relationship with adults on Swadeshiya Sevaya on 23rd April 2023
Resource person for the “Jathika Mehewara” programme on “The new trends, regulations and impact of social media in the contemporary world” on Sirasa TV on 17th May 2023.
Resource person for the “Jathika Mehewara” programme on “The proposed media regulation act” on Sirasa TV on 13th June 2023.
Resource person for the “Jana Hada” programme on “The proposed media regulation act” on TNL on 12th June 2023.
Resource person for the “Prbathya” programme on “the impact of Social media on youth” on Swadeshiya Sevaya on 09th August 2023.
Resource person for the “Mee Badhu Sithuwili” Programme on Lak FM on 22nd February 2024
Resource person for the “Madhuwanthi Gee Dahana” Programme on Swadeshiya Sevaya on 07th March 2024.
Resource person for the “Jathika Mehewara” programme on “The Online Safety Act” on Sirasa TV on 15th March 2024.
Resource person for the” Ranarawaya” Programme on ” Media and Society” on Swadeshiya Sevaya on 19th April 2024.
Resource person for the voice cut on AI for the SLRC news on 12th April 2024.
Resource person for the discussion on the Online Safety Act on the Life Traveler channel on 17th June 2024.
Resource person for the programme on Traditional Folk Communications on VAPA TV on 25th July 2024
Resource person for the programme on Family Communications on Swadesiya Sewaya on 15th July 2024
Resource person for the SANKATHANA programme on Media Ethics and Media Regulations on Swadesiya Sewaya on 1stJuly 2024
Resource person for the Rasing Lady programme on Gaja TV in August 2024
Resource person for the programme on Social media and Family relationships on Swadesiya Sewaya on 02nd August 2024
Resource person for the Happening Now programme on the role of Media in the election on Sirasa TV on 22nd August 2024
Resource person for the Subharathi programme on the role of Social Media in the election on Swadesiya Sewaya on 31st August 2024
Resource person for the Piniwiyana programme on the Open Day on ITN on 09th SEP 2024
Resource person for the Rising Lady programme on i TV on 3rd OCT 2024
Resource person for the Jayagath Gahaniya programme on Siyatha TV on 9th OCT 2024
Resource person for the Prabuddha Chinthya Programme on Dasatha Lanka News in OCT and NOV 2024
Reviewing the papers, articles, extended abstracts and abstracts
Editorial Board Member, Partners Universal International Research Journal, India from 2021
Editorial Board Member, International Innovation Journal from 2023
Editorial Board Member, Partners Universal Innovative Research Publication from 2023
Editorial Board Member of the International Journal of Communicology published by the Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo from 2024.
Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Coordination and Management in Sustainable Development (IJCMSD) from 2022
Reviewer, Journal of Media and Communication Studies and International Journal of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, The International Journal of Humanities Education, Journal of Literary Humanities, and Arts in Society Journal collection of the Common Ground Research Network, USA from 2017
Reviewer, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction , ELSEVIER from 2021
Reviewer, Sage Open Journal from 2022
Reviewer, Cogent Education, Taylor and Francis from 2023
Reviewer, Qeios publications from 2023
Reviewer, Asian Review of Social Sciences, India from 2021
Reviewer, Journal of Social Sciences, National Science Foundation from 2019
Reviewer, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies published by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka from 2022
Reviewer, The Open public health journal in 2020
Reviewer, OUSL Journal from 2021
Reviewer, Vistas Journal published by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Open University of Sri Lanka from 2022
Reviewer, International Journal of Communicology, Sri Palee Campus from 2021
Reviewer, The Sri Lanka Journal of Communication, Department of Mass Media, University of Kelaniya from 2024.
Reviewer, Qubahan Academic Journal from January 2021
Reviewer, KnowEx Social Sciences journal from 2023
Reviewer, Open University Research Sessions and International Research Sessions at the OUSL from 2015
Reviewer, International symposium on Gender Equity and Equality-2017 conducted by Eastern University with the support of UNESCO
Reviewer, the Student Research Symposium conducted by the Research committee of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Open University of Sri Lanka from 2017
Reviewer, National policy document on ‘Rebuilding Public Trust: An assessment of the Media Industry and Profession in Sri Lanka’ published by the Secretariat for Media Reforms in 2016.
Panelist and reviewer for the RTI conferences conducted by the Ministry of Finance and Mass Media in 2016 and in 2018.
Reviewer, International conference on Social and Cultural Nexus and Technology conducted by the National Science Foundation in 2019 (abstracts and full papers)
Reviewer, the 23rd Annual International Postgraduate Research Conference conducted by the Faculty of Graduate studies of the University of Kelaniaya in 2023
Reviewer, the 10th World Conference on Women’s Studies, 2024 conducted by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM).
Reviewer, Annual International Research Symposium (AIRS) of the Sri Palee Campus-2024
Reviewer, 1st International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches held at the Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies
Reviewer, 17th KDU International Research Conference 2024
Reviewer, IRCHSS 2025, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
Reviewer, The International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka from 2015.
Programme Coordination:BA Degree in Social Sciences – Level 4 (From August 2019 to Up to now)
MA in Development Studies and Public Police – Level 9 (From August 2016 to August 2019 )
Certificate in Social Sciences – Level 1 (From December 2018 to June 2019)
BA Degree in Social Sciences – Level 4 (old syllabus)From January 2015 to 2016 August
BA Degree in Social Sciences – Level 4 (old syllabus)From 2009 to 2011
English for Social Sciences – administrative coordinator (From 2007- 2009)
Course Coordination:Teaching and course coordination
MA in Development Studies and Public Policy- Research Methodology in Social Sciences- DSPA405 (Co-module leader)& Development Communication and Behavioral Changes -DSP9407 from 2019 to date
BA Degree in Social Sciences-Introduction to Communication: Theory and Practices – SSU 1221 (2008/20092009/2010,2010/2011),Communication in Disaster Mitigation- DSU 4323/ SSU 2123 -Blended course from 2015 to date, Communication Research (old Syllabus)- SSU 3121( from 2015 to 2017) Communication Research (New Syllabus) – DSU 5321(from 2015 to date), Extended essay/ Internship DSU 5361/5362, DSU 5328- Module leader from the communication stream (from 2016 to date), DSU 5322, Media Occupations and Professions in 2024
Certificate in Social Sciences -Introduction to Mass Communication (old syllabus) SSC 2313 – Sinhala medium and English medium (2008/2009 & 2009/2010)
Inter faculty teaching – Communication Skills for the undergraduates in the BSC in Information Technology degree programme conducted by the Faculty of Science of the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2024.
Awards:Scholarships, awards and prizes
Awarded a first class in the BA Degree in Mass Media for the first time in the history of the Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo in 2007.
Awarded a PhD scholarship from the HETC project, World Bank in 2011.
Awarded the Doctoral Completion Award (on time) from the National University of Malaysia in 2014.
Awarded the best OUSL research award by the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Obtained the third prize for the ‘3 Minute Thesis’ competition conducted by the School of Communication of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the National University of Singapore in 2014.
Awarded AAOU-COL Fellowship in 2021
Awarded Competent communicator recognition in the Toastmasters programme in 2019 and also became a charter member in 2017.
Research Supervisions:Supervisor for a MA dissertation titled “The role of Internet in Secondary Education: special reference to Colombo district” in 2019 (completed)
Supervisor for a MA dissertation titled “The Impact of Facebook on family relationships in Sri Lanka: A view on human and interpersonal communication” of the Department of Social Studies of the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2021 (completed).
Supervised a MA dissertation titled, “An evaluation of newly introduced Technology Stream Curriculum in the A/Ls – Special Reference to Ampara District” in 2019 (completed).
Supervisor for the MA dissertation titled “E-learning in Tertiary Education in Sri Lanka: A Study of Western Province University Students” in 2023 (completed)
Supervisor for the MA dissertation titled “Social Media for Language Acquisition in a multilingual Context
Internal examiner for a MA dissertation titled ‘The impact of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction in police stations, Kuliyapitiya division: An Empirical study through survey” of the Department of Social Studies of the Open University of Sri Lanka (2017).
Internal examiner for a MSC dissertation titled, “The study on environmental reporting practices of Sri Lanka with special reference to plantation sector companies” (2020).
Supervisor for the MPhil dissertation titled “Design thinking and Digital Creativity: An innovative digital media strategy for business problem solving”
Supervisor for the MSSC dissertation titled “Information Subsidies and Agenda Building in Environmental Crisis: News Coverage of X-Press Pearl Ship Wreckage” in 2023
Supervisor for the visiting research students from the University College of Leuven and Limburg (UCLL), Belgium from 2021 to date.
Supervisor for a MA dissertation titled “Social Media for Language Acquisition in a multilingual Context” of the Department of Social Studies of the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2024 (ongoing )
Module leader for the module on Extended essay/ Internship (DSU 5361/ 5362) from 2016 to date. Supervisor for the following projects/ extended essays in the communication stream in Colombo center.
Supervision in other universities
Supervisor for three undergraduate dissertations titled: “The internet usage among school students: special reference to Western province” (2010), “The role of ICT in natural disaster management in Sri Lanka: Special reference to Western province” (2016) and “The Key audience issues: English radio channels in Sri Lanka” (2016) of the Department of Media and Communication Studies, University of Colombo (completed)
Supervisor for a MD Dissertation titled, ‘Health literacy and effectiveness of social media-based intervention to improve healthy literacy and selected healthy lifestyle behaviors related to prevention of non-communicable diseases among adults in Kalutara district’ of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PIM), University of Colombo (Completed).
Supervisor for two PhD dissertations titled ‘Ideological representation of women in women’s magazines’ and ‘The impact of television on gender- based domestics violence in Sri Lanka’ of the University of Colombo (on going)
External examiner for a PhD dissertation titled “Social Ideology of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar – A Study” of the Bharathidasan University in India (2019).
External examiner for three PhD dissertations titled “The Role of Minor Parties in the Politics of Pakistan (1988-2008)”, “Multan-From the fall of Afghan Rule to its Annexation with the British Empire-A Case Study of Politico- Economic Setup” “Role of Pakistan Saraiki Party on Saraiki Province Movement (1989-2013)”, of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur in Punjab, Pakistan (2019).
External examiner for two undergraduate dissertations titled “The role of community radio listeners in multimedia environment in Sri Lanka” and “The impact of ICT on human resource management in Sri Lanka: with reference to Asiri Hospital” of the Department of Media and Communication Studies of the University of Colombo (2016).
External examiner for the two dissertations of the PGD programme and four dissertations of the MA programme in Mass Media Studies of the Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo in 2024.
Publications:RESRARCH PUBLICATIONS
Journal articles -selected publications in peer reviewed (refereed) index journals
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Salman, A. Mahmud, W.A. W.& Ahmad, F. (2013). Issues in Internet adoption: A study among Sri Lankan rural communities. e-Bangi Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities. 8(2), 1-11. https://ejournal.ukm.my/ebangi/article/view/11205
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Salman, A. Mahmood, W.A.W & Ahmad, F. (2013). Issues related to Internet diffusion: A case study on ICT related projects in Sri Lanka. Malaysian journal of communication. 29(1), 70-77. https://ejournal.ukm.my/mjc/article/view/15015
- Galagedara, G.T.M., Salman, A. Mahmud, W.A. W.& Ahmad, F. (2014). A case study on Internet adoption and rural communities in Sri Lanka. e– Bangi Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.9(2), 172-180. https://ejournal.ukm.my/ebangi/article/view/11098.
- Galagedarage, T. M. & Salman, A. (2015). Issues in Internet Adoption and Rural Development: Theory of the Diffusion of Innovation. The journal of Development Communication. 26(1), 14-23. https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/ojs/index.php/jdc/article/view/42
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2019). The Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for natural disaster management in Sri Lanka. International Journal of interdisciplinary Global Studies. 14 (2), 27- 39. https://cgscholar.com/bookstore/works/icts-for-natural-disaster-management?category_id=cgrn
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). Traditional Forms of Communication for Agricultural Related Livelihood in Rural Sri Lanka. Journal of Development Communication.32(1).60-67. https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/ojs/index.php/jdc/article/view/204
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). The role of television as an educational medium in empowering rural students in Sri Lanka during covid 19 pandemic. International Online Journal of Language, Communication, and Humanities, 4(2), 89-100. http://insaniah.umk.edu.my/journal/index.php/insaniah/article/view/168
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). Traditional folk communications among indigenous people: Veddas Community in Sri Lanka. The Journal of Development Communication. 32(2). 15-22. https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/ojs/index.php/jdc/article/view/209
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). The role of Traditional forms of communication in the context of COVID 19 in Rural Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Applied communication. 11(2). https://journalfbmk.upm.edu.my/ojs3/index.php/ajac/article/view/548
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Factors affecting research competencies among academics of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) in the context of Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Asian People 5(1). 11-21. https://journal.unisza.edu.my/apj/index.php/apj/article/view/310
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). The use of traditional forms of communication for honey gathering in rural Sri Lanka. International Journal of Media and Communication Research. 3(1). 1-9. https://journal.uir.ac.id/index.php/ijmcr/article/view/8120
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Media Education in the State Universities in Sri Lanka. Partners Universal International Research Journal. 1(2). 1-10. https://puirj.com/index.php/research/issue/view/2
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Digital Divide:Challenges faced by the university students in the context of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) during the COVID 19 pandemic. Journal of Development Communication. 33 (1). 16-23.https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/ojs/index.php/jdc/article/view/222
- Hewage, G.T.M & Indrasena, K. (2023).Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for e-learning in tertiary education in Sri Lanka: A study of undergraduates from state universities in Colombo district. International Journal of Media and Communication Research. 4(2). 33-48.https://journal2.uir.ac.id/index.php/ijmcr/article/view/13692
- Hewage, G.T.M. (2023). Media and communication studies at the state universities in Sri Lanka: challenges of English medium education. Journal of Development Communication. 34(2). 7-16.https://jdc.journals.unisel.edu.my/index.php/jdc/article/view/253
- Hewage, G.T.M.(2023). Citizen journalism in Sri Lanka: Content Creators on Facebook. Journal of
Partners Universal International Research Journal. 2(4). 86-94.https://puirj.com/index.php/research/article/view/155 - Madhubhashini, G.T. (2024). Challenges and Opportunities of Media Education in The State Universities in Sri Lanka. International Online Journal of Language, Communication, and Humanities, 7(1), 15-27 http://insaniah.umk.edu.my/journal/index.php/insaniah/article/view/185
- PCP Kumara, Galagedarage Thushari Madhubhashini Hewage. (2024). Attribute Agenda Building in An Environmental Crisis: News Coverage of MV X-Press Pearl Ship Incident in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Media and Communication Research. 5(2), 26-39 https://journal.uir.ac.id/index.php/ijmcr/article/view/17029
- Articles in peer reviewed (refereed) journals
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2015). Issues in internet adoption and rural empowerment in Sri Lanka. Vistas Journal. 9, 1- 18. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/94ousl/1513/1/paper1.pdf
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Communication and Media Studies in the secondary education in Sri Lanka. Journal of Communication Education. 2(1). 1- 13. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zx4ITbJ19HtbefM638WVpQ-RcRDuYSqt/view
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). Opportunities and challenges faced by mid-career academics in the discipline of Humanities and Social Sciences in the context of Open and Distance Learning. VISTAS Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 14(2). 119-140. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/94ousl/2003/1/vistas_December_128-149.pdf
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). The role of traditional folk media in empowering rural communities in Sri Lanka. VISTAS, Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 14(1).50-65. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/94ouslpqp/1970/1/ARTICLE_3.pdf
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). E- learning in secondary education during the Covid 19 pandemic. VISTAS Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 15(1). 31-45. http://repository.ou.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/94ousl/2347/Volume_1_2022_June-42-56.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
- Refereed full papers/Abstracts/ extended abstracts (peer reviewed)
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Making sense of the Digital Divide: Constraints in using the Internet for Rural Development in Sri Lanka. International conference on Media and Diversity on 19th of March 2010. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. 61-73.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. The Scope of internet in empowering a rural community: A communication study of Kotmale Community Radio internet project. 11th Annual Research Symposium on the 1st of December 2010. University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. P84.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Internet usage among rural people in Sri Lanka: Needs and application. International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities on 12th of December 2012. The National University of Malaysia. P1.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Impact of ICT on Rural communities. Progress 2012, Postgraduate research seminar on 21st of November 2012, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The National University of Malaysia. Malaysia. P:1.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. A cause study on internet adoption among rural communities in Sri Lanka. Conference, “Mention 13” on 20th of December 2013. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The National University of Malaysia. Malaysia. P9.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Issues in internet adoption: A cause study in Sri Lanka. Mention Conference on 28th of November 2013. School of Communication, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The National University of Malaysia. Malaysia.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Internet adoption among rural communities: A cause study in Sri Lanka. HETC Conference on the 08 of July 2014, Sri Lanka.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Internet adoption and rural communities in Sri Lanka. International Conference on the Humanities on 21st of May 2015. University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka. P105.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Bridging the digital divide in Sri Lanka: Issues in Internet adoption among rural communities. Annual Academic Sessions on 20th November 2015. Open University of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka. P 17- 23.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Digital divide in Sri Lanka, The International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) on 03rd December 2015. The University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Sri Lanka. P 85.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for natural disaster management in Sri Lanka: Special reference to Matara DS Division. 10th Global Studies Conference on 8-9th June 2017. National University of Singapore. P:52.
- Madhubhashini G.T. Broadcast Ratings system in Sri Lanka: Issues and Implications. Annual Academic Sessions on 17th November 2017. Open University of Sri Lanka. P :313-316.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. The role of media in natural disaster management in Sri Lanka. International Research Session on 30th November 2018. The Open University of Sri Lanka. P:78.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. Ethical practices of journalists: With special reference to newspaper articles on Covid-19 that published in the national English newspapers in Sri Lanka. Annual Research Sessions 2020: COVID 19 Pandemic: Development Challenges and Opportunities on the 15th of December 2020. Faculty of Graduate Studies. University of Colombo. P:21.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). Challenges and Opportunities of e- learning via zoom. Proceeding of
the 34 th of Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open Universities, Sri Lanka, P:36.
Books
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2008). Internet and Development. Rathupaswala: Taranga printers.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2017). Digital Divide: Internet Diffusion in Sri Lanka. Maradana: Godage International publishers.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Media and Communication Studies: Theory and practice. (ed.) Maradana: Godage International publishers.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). Jeewitha Kawiya: Nirmanathmaka Isaw Soya Yana Sanniwedana Prawesayak. Author publication.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Kawi Mini Pabadum. Author publication.
Book chapters
- Galagedarage, M. (2021). Use of new media and the reality of information poverty in Sri Lanka (Sri Lankeya Nawa Madhya bawithaya ha thorathuru daridhrathawaye Yatarthaya). In Weerasinghe, T. (Eds). Madhya Sameeksha IV: Samaja Madhye Nagima published by Sri Lanka Press Council. (pp.80-86). ISBN 978-624-5912-00-1.
- Madhubhashini , G.T.(2022).Importance and needs of code of ethics to promote the modern media culture (Nuthana Madhya Sanshkruthiya prawardhanaya sadaha acharadharma padhdhathiyaka awasyathawaya ha wadagathkama. Sri Ranjan. M (eds). Jathika Madhya Sankathana: Madhya Vicharaya Ha Sanshkruthiya published by the Department of Government Information. (pp.176-184), ISSN:2756-9322 (in Sinhala medium)
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2024). Creativity in Traditional Folk Media in Sri Lanka. Ariyarathna Athugala Felicitation published by the Department of Mass Communication of the University of Kelaniya. 1. 48-53
New paper/ Magazine/ Newsletter articles
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2007, November 1). Samajawadaye Anagathaya. Lankadeepa Newspaper. P:3.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2015, March 22). ‘Through Open university of Sri Lanka, Innovative Social Sciences education of global relevance’. Sunday Observer Newspaper. P: 86.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2018, November 4). An interview: Livisariya. Dinamina Newspaper. P:17.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021, January). Codes of ethics for Journalists. Desatiya. P:10.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021, I ). E- Learning: OUSL’s response .The Open Quarterly iv-2020.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2021). Gama Ha Badunu Janamadhya. Preleka. 11(1): 34-37. National Library and Documentation Board.
- Madhubhashini, G.T. (2022). Empowering OUSL students through Student Centered Learning (SCL). The Open Quarterly I/II -2022.
- Article on “Kantha Pashna Eka Dinakin Wisadiya Nohaki”(2024, March 08).Dinamina Newspaper, P:4.
- Article on ” Mahacharyawariya Jeewithaya Jayagath Rahas” (2024, March). Vishaka Hada Newspaper, P:2.
- Article on “Social media and Youth” on Pawra Magazine in May 2024.
- Article on “Media Literacy” (2022, December), Taxila Newspaper. P:4.
- Article on ” Media and election” (2024, OCT 7). Monara Newspaper, P:15)
- Article on ” Use of Social Media during election” (2024, OCT 16). Monara Newspaper. P:15)
Course material development: Lesson writing (newly Witten/ major and minor revisions)
- Introduction to Communication Theory and Practices – SSU 1221
- Communication in Disaster Mitigation- DSU 4323/ SSU 2123
- Communication Research (New Syllabus) – DSU 5321
- Internship/ Extended essay DSU 5361/5362
- Post Industrial Societies and Information Economy – HSU5301
- Introduction to Mass Communication (old syllabus) SSC 2313
- Social Media for everyday life (on going)
- Introduction to Communication (new syllabus) DSC 2713
- Sociology for Nursing- NGU 3203
- Research Methodology in BIS Honours (Agriculture) -AGI5166
- Social Media in everyday life (on going)