The ELEVATE Film Screening at the Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo took place on January 28, 2025. Organized by the Centre for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), the event focused on cyber gender-based violence (CGBV), sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and societal norms affecting females within the university system. 

The Chief Guest, the Rector of the Campus, Dr. AAL Prathiba Mahanamahewa, commended the UGC’s initiative in empowering young women through mobile and short filmmaking. He emphasized the importance of open discussions on reproductive health and gender equality, drawing parallels with global practices that encourage respectful relationships.

The event was attended by distinguished faculty members, including Dr. Kumesh Prabashini, Ms. Chathurika Nimalchandra, Mrs. Kalani Dharmasiri, Mr. Manoj Premachandra, Mr. Nuwan Madduma, and Prof. Kumudini Maddumage. The Dean of the Faculty of Management highlighted the impact of these films in shaping policy and fostering discourse on GBV.

Filmmakers and panelists addressed cyber violence, intimate partner abuse, transgender representation, and passive violence in relationships. Experts such as Prof. Kumudini Maddumage and Dr. Kumesha Prabhashini discussed safe abortion, SRHR awareness, and gender equality in education.

Mrs. Kalani Dharmasiri concluded by emphasizing the need for students to stand against relationship violence and advocate for legal remedies. With 24 participants, the screening successfully sparked crucial conversations on gender rights, policy reforms, and university support systems.