The 15th anniversary celebration of Rainbow Institute Sri Lanka and Rainbow Resources Lanka was held on June 16 at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre, bringing together a vibrant community of media professionals, educators, and young changemakers. Themed around Media Development—one of the organisation’s flagship focus areas—the multi-faceted event reflected on 15 years of dedication to building a more informed and empowered Sri Lanka.
A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of young journalists who participated in Rainbow Resources most recently concluded media development project, Young Journalists Fellowship, conducted in 2024 with the support of the American Embassy.
This dynamic initiative brought together 150 emerging journalists from across the island, working in Sinhala, Tamil, and English across print, electronic, and digital platforms. The program not only strengthened their professional skills and networks but also led to the formation of the Young Journalists Network of Sri Lanka.
The event also featured an inspiring Photojournalism Awards Ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Photography Society of Sri Lanka, showcasing powerful visual storytelling by young media talent.
A particularly moving moment was the felicitation of veteran journalist and media rights activist Dharmasiri Lankapeli for his courage and leadership in journalism. Introducing Lankapeli, the Chief Academic Advisor of Rainbow Institute and eminent media academic, Dr Mahim Mendis described Lankapeli’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and journalists’ rights.
For over 30 years, Lankapeli championed these causes through the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions, in alliance with the International Federation of Journalists. Despite facing threats during Sri Lanka’s conflict period and being offered asylum abroad, he chose to stay and continue his advocacy at home. His leadership in promoting the Right to Information and elevating journalism standards remains an enduring inspiration.
As Rainbow Institute and Rainbow Resources Lanka mark this milestone, the anniversary celebration was not only a reflection of past achievements, but also a powerful call to action for the future. With a steadfast commitment to nurturing ethical, courageous, and skilled media professionals, the organisations reaffirmed their vision for a more inclusive, democratic, and informed society.
The evening was a testament to the impact of 15 years of tireless work—and a renewed pledge to continue shaping the next generation of media leaders in Sri Lanka and beyond.
