Maiden Film & TV Degree at Kelaniya Uni. pioneered by Dr D.B. Nihalsingha

Sri Lanka’s first Degree in Film & Television introduced by the University of Kelaniya, is to commence next year under the supervision of Dr D.B. Nihalsingha. Founder-Chairman of the National Film Corporation in 1972, award-winning Filmmaker, Editor and Cinematographer, Dr Nihalsingha will head the 4- year Degree programme, which was formulated during the past 5 years.

The Course is open to students of all study streams. About 2,100 students who had gained admission to State-run universities for next year, had applied for the course. However, only 30 will be selected for the Degree programme.

All applicants sat for an exam last Saturday (18) where they were tested on basic creativity.

Those selected will be taught the theory of Film & TV programmemaking and placed under Film & TV programme directors and camera experts for on-the-job training. At the end of the course, students will have to make their own movie, which will be funded by the university, and assessed on the final product.

Dr Nihalsingha who will head the programme and conduct training, formulated the course curriculum along with Dr Patrick Ratnayaka, Senior Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya. This is also the first appointment to a professorship in Film & Television in the country.

“It was a laborious process to get this Degree programme started. Though Film and Television are two popular media, none of the 17 State universities had a course to train new people. Now the University of Kelaniya has finally commenced it,” Dr Nihalsingha said.

He added that, the University will now be responsible for the huge development of the Film and Television industry in the country, in terms of programmes and of people who make these programmes.

(Interview in ST 2 section)