The University of Peradeniya hosted the ELEVATE Film Screening on the 24th of April 2025 at the Arts Auditorium, Faculty of Arts. Co-hosted by the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Committee under the leadership of Chairperson Prof. Eresha Mendis, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and invited guests. The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, graced the event as the Chief Guest.

With the aim of providing awareness and empowerment on the themes of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Cyber Gender Based Violence, the screening featured a series of compelling short films produced by university students, focusing on critical themes such as unsafe abortion, gender stigma, gender-based violence, menstrual rights and institutional discrimination based on gender. These films set the stage for an expert panel discussion that delved deeper into the issues highlighted, drawing connections to broader societal and educational contexts.

The distinguished panel comprised Dr. Wijaya Jayatilaka (Panel Chairperson), Emiratus Professor Kamala Liyanage, Dr. Poornika Seelagama (Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology), and Dr. Kalana Senaratna (Head, Department of Law, Faculty of Arts). Opening the discussion, Dr. Wijaya Jayatilaka emphasized the transformative potential of film as a learning tool, pointing out how discrimination against a blind girl in both public institutions and intimate relationships mirrored entrenched social prejudices.

Professor Kamala Liyanage reflected on Wrongful Choice, a film portraying the vulnerabilities faced by women unable to negotiate safe sexual practices due to masculine pressure and lack of partner support. She stressed how such realities often push women toward unsafe abortions under hazardous conditions.

Dr. Poornika Seelagama discussed Washroom, highlighting the issue of institutional discrimination tied to the culture of ragging within universities. She emphasized that such systemic marginalization undermines efforts to create inclusive and safe academic environments.

Focusing on Who is Blind?, Dr. Kalana Senaratna explored the multi-layered discrimination faced by students concerning their abortion rights, reinforcing the need to recognize and protect reproductive autonomy within the academic sphere and beyond.

The panel collectively discussed the defiance of power structures, noting that with women constituting over 70% of university populations, collective resistance and solidarity are crucial for driving meaningful change.

The conversation expanded to tackle period poverty, with suggestions made to install menstrual product vending machines on campus to combat stigma and ensure accessibility. Professor Kamala further appreciated how advertising industries have contributed to prevent stigma surrounding menstruation, and highlighted how the first menstruation of a girl shifts from a celebrated milestone to a topic shrouded in secrecy within the culture.

The panel strongly advocated for comprehensive sex education that extends beyond discussions of intercourse, incorporating lessons on hygiene, bodily autonomy, and mutual respect. Dr. Poornika emphasized the importance of empowering boys alongside girls to create balanced social change, while Professor Kamala stressed fostering mutual respect among all genders within academic spaces.

Dr. Kalana underscored the critical need for male allyship in advocating for women’s rights and called for nurturing a questioning culture within universities to stimulate research and empower students.

The ELEVATE Film Screening and the ensuing panel discussion effectively created a vibrant platform for dialogue on gender equality, reproductive rights, and educational reform. The event demonstrated the powerful role of student-driven storytelling in reshaping narratives and promoting a culture of critical engagement and solidarity across campuses.