The second day of the Environmental Journalism Workshop, organized with the aim of promoting more responsible, accurate, and sensitive media reporting on food sovereignty, agroecology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems in Sri Lanka, was successfully held on 13 June at the LOADI Grove Research and Training Centre in Mattegoda. The project is supported by Misereor.
This three-day workshop has been designed for young people, social activists, and media enthusiasts who aspire to work as community communicators. Its main objective is to build a deeper understanding of environmental issues, food systems, and agriculture, while strengthening participants’ media and communication skills to effectively report and share these issues with society.
The second day of the workshop was particularly significant as it focused on one of the most essential tools in modern journalism-Mobile Journalism (MOJO). Participants were provided with in-depth exposure to the use of smartphones for news gathering, storytelling, video production, editing, and content dissemination in today’s digital media landscape. The sessions equipped them with both theoretical understanding and practical skills required for effective mobile-based reporting.
The training session was conducted by renowned journalist and trainer Mr. Ruwan Bombugamuwa, who covered a wide range of topics from the basic concepts of mobile journalism to practical techniques applicable in field reporting and content creation.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions and hands-on exercises, gaining direct experience in video production, interview recording, visual storytelling, and basic editing using their own mobile devices. These practical activities significantly enhanced their confidence and technical ability in content creation.
By focusing on the potential of mobile journalism to amplify community voices on environmental and agricultural issues in a creative and impactful way, the second day of the workshop marked an important step in strengthening participants’ media and communication capacities.
At the end of the day, a traditional “Padhuru Saajje” was held to promote solidarity and teamwork among participants, while also providing a platform to showcase their musical, singing, and other artistic talents.
The final day of the workshop is scheduled to be held tomorrow.
