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Department of Film and Television Production Technology-official
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"Let us write your story behind the screen" The Sri Lankan film industry has entered its seventh decade, while television is in its fourth. M. J. R.
The Department of Film and Television Production Technology was established in 2014, pioneering as a dedicated academic department for the film and television industries in Sri Lanka. Currently, two degree programs are offered under the department: Bachelor of Technology in Film and Television Production Technology and Bachelor of Technology in Media Arts Production Technology. Establishing an aca
demic department at a national university implies a commitment to building knowledge relevant to the represented field, conducting research, and fostering fresh educational perspectives. These disciplines have been taught and trained at various institutions at different levels, but several informalities have been observed. In the higher education sector, these disciplines were previously taught only as subjects or as part of other degree programs. Enrollment was typically based on the qualifications of candidates who had passed their GCE A/L exams. Consequently, many individuals in these fields found themselves without a proper local pathway to tertiary education, and their professional growth was hindered. Academic progress in these fields largely depended on foreign expertise. The Bachelor of Technology in Film and Television Production Technology degree emerged as a solution to this challenge. Consultant Electronics Engineer Mr. Stanley Hettiarachchi, who earned prestigious recognition as a broadcast engineer, editor, and teacher in television production technology and served as the Director of Media and Information Services at the University of Vocational Technology, provided the visionary spark to initiate this degree in 2012–2013. Through several constructive attempts and justifications backed by an in-depth needs analysis, he obtained approval from the Academic Council of the university to move ahead with the development. The degree curriculum was subsequently developed through the pivotal collaboration of the late Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja—a renowned filmmaker referred to by critics as "The Filmmaker of the Left Bank"—and Dr. Senesh Dissanaike Bandara, a trendsetting television producer, filmmaker, and academic. In 2014, the Bachelor of Technology in Film and Television Production Technology degree was launched as the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, offering a pathway to those working in the film and television industries. Nearly 120 undergraduates are studying to acquire their degrees, and already five batches of students have been graduated. They are actively contributing to the industry by imparting knowledge, conducting research, and implementing standard practices. Starting in 2020, the university made a policy decision to offer limited opportunities for GCE Advanced Level passed students to enroll in the degree program, provided they complete an induction program to align their skills with those of students from the industry. In 2018, another unique degree program was introduced for students seeking higher education in the field of mass media: the Bachelor of Technology in Media Arts Production Technology. The initial concept for the degree and its development process were led by Dr. Senesh Dissanaike Bandara, who served as the Head of the Department at that time. The curriculum for this program was developed by the consultant, Mr. David, a senior academic, seasoned journalist, and broadcaster. The first batch of students was enrolled in 2019. Both degrees have undergone validation by expert panels comprised of both academics and industry professionals. Dr. Senesh Dissanaike Bandara served as the first head of the department, and under his successful academic leadership, both degree programs were developed and implemented.
28/04/2026
We are pleased to invite you to an insightful webinar session on:
“Preservation of Film and TV Content for Long-Term Archiving”
Join us as we explore the critical importance of preserving audiovisual heritage and the evolving practices in digital archiving.
This session is a valuable opportunity for students, academics, and industry professionals to gain insights into film and television preservation.
Guest Speaker:
Joanna White - BFI National Archive Developer
Moderator:
Ravindra Priyantha Lal
Lecturer – University College of Ratmalana
If you are interested in participating in this session, please register using the attached form. Kindly provide your email address to receive the Zoom link.
Organized by: Department of Film and Television Production Technology, University of Vocational Technology, Sri Lanka
25/04/2026
Shining Moment ! ❤️
Sri Lankan film director Prasanna Vithanage served as the Chairman of the Jury for the Main Competition at the 48th Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF). The festival was held from April 16 to 23, 2026, in Russia.
Prasanna Vithanage is known for telling powerful and emotional stories through his films. His work often explores real-life issues, human relationships, and social problems. Because of his strong storytelling, he has gained respect both in Sri Lanka and around the world.
Over the years, he has directed several important films. Some of his well-known movies include Paradise (2023), Gaadi (2019), and Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka (2012). These films show his ability to handle deep and meaningful topics.
He also directed Akasa Kusum (2008), August Sun (2003), and Death on a Full Moon Day (1997). These earlier works helped build his reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s leading filmmakers.
Being chosen as the Chairman of the Jury at MIFF is a big honor. It shows that his talent is recognized on an international level. His role included leading the jury team and helping decide the best films in the competition.
We are proud to announce that the Department of Film and Television Production Technology, University of Vocational Technology (Sri Lanka), symbolically signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the inaugural session of the Nepal International Film Festival 🎬
This collaboration with the Nepal International Film Festival marks a significant milestone in strengthening international academic and industry partnerships. It aims to promote knowledge exchange, collaborative projects, student opportunities, and the development of the film and television sector across the region.
We look forward to building a strong and impactful partnership that will benefit our students, staff, and the broader creative community.
02/04/2026
01/04/2026
The Department of Film and Television Production Technology is pleased to share that a symbolic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was held between the University of Vocational Technology and Tribhuvan University.
This milestone marks an important step toward strengthening international academic collaboration in the fields of film, television, and media studies.
Significantly, this partnership initiates formal steps toward establishing a two-year Master’s Degree Program in Film and Television, jointly developed with the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of TU. Both institutions are looking forward to commencing the program in the near future.
This is a valuable opportunity for students and professionals seeking to advance their academic and creative pursuits in Film and Television with an international perspective.
28/04/2026
25/04/2026
02/04/2026
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01/04/2026
30/03/2026