Event Date: October 25, 2024
Location: Integrated Digital Media Unit, New Library Building, 3rd Floor, University of Vavuniya
Time: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
The University of Vavuniya celebrated the official opening of its new Integrated Audio-Visual Unit, a facility designed to promote digital literacy and peacebuilding through advanced media and IT resources. This development was made possible through support from USAID Sri Lanka’s SCORE activity, which provided $30,000 worth of media and IT equipment to enhance the unit’s capabilities and foster social cohesion across the region and which aims to foster social cohesion and resilience.
Agenda was highlighted the following,
- Traditional Welcome and Lighting of the Lamp
The ceremony began with a traditional welcome and lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing enlightenment and prosperity. - Ceremonial Opening and Welcome Remarks
Ms. Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, USAID Sri Lanka’s SCORE activity team, Prof. A. Atputharaja, Vice Chancellor, University of Vavuniya and University representatives formally inaugurated the unit, followed by welcome remarks. - Special Remarks
- Prof. A. Atputharaja, Vice Chancellor, University of Vavuniya addressed the welcome and significance of the new unit in enhancing educational resources (radiography, videography, livestreaming, recording, editing, post production and documentation, conference system and discussions) and fostering unity within the university community.
- Ms. Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka emphasized the collaborative efforts to improve digital access and skills for peacebuilding, underscoring the U.S. commitment to supporting such initiatives.
- Discussion with University Officials, academics and students discussed the unit’s role in supporting peace and digital learning, with a focus on the broader impact across the region. Mainly discussed SME Hub development, Incubation Centre startups, innovative production, AI and gem technology, students club programs, Distance learning, Remote lecturing and teaching for rural villages.
- Presentation of Memento
The university presented a memento to Ambassador Julie Chung in appreciation of the U.S. support for the unit through the USAID SCORE Activity. This token of gratitude acknowledged the American people’s generosity in equipping the unit and expressed sincere thanks for the ambassador’s valuable contributions to the project.
The event concluded with a formal closing photography session, celebrating the successful establishment of this vital resource. The Integrated Digital Media Unit is expected to serve as a hub for digital marketing and education for the MSME owners, community engagement, and peacebuilding, actively involving the university’s diverse community in unity-building efforts across the region.
