Paradox between the media education and media industry in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study looks into the mismatch between media education and media industry in Sri Lanka. Based on a mixed methodology (using textual analysis of the syllabi of the universities, peer review made by the academics from their carriers and participatory observation from media industries) it shows a significant difference between university contribution and media practice from which this incompatibility have been creating for many years. With the amalgamation of political and commercial governance system this study found in one hand media education has not considered their updating in terms of the changing social system and on the other media industry which has been largely shaped by the contemporary political and highly business mind set up which is deeply - rooted into the country. Even though there are many suggestions, this research concluded despite the fact that media education in the university producing graduates overwhelmingly there is no standards of an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary output which caters contemporary cultural, political and commercial changes.