The 7th ELEVATE Film Screening Summit at the University of Kelaniya, held on March 5, 2025, brought together students, academics, and experts for a compelling discussion on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Cyber Gender-Based Violence (CGBV). With an audience of around 150 participants, the event showcased powerful short films by young female filmmakers, offering insight into the challenges women face in university settings.

The event was graced by Senior Professor Nilanka Renuka De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, as the Chief Guest, alongside Prof. Prabha Manuratna, Director for the Centre for Gender Equity/Equality of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Representatives from the Department of Drama, Cinema and Television Studies, the Centre for Gender Studies, and undergraduates from various departments were also in attendance. The event was co-hosted by the Department of Drama, Cinema and Television Studies and the Centre for Gender Studies, University of Kelaniya.

The event included 2 compelling panel discussions. In the first panel discussion, student filmmakers shared their inspirations behind their films.

Vihangi Thennakoon, co-director of “Pain Killer,” spoke about how a real-life struggle in the university medical clinic inspired the film. She explained, “We faced difficulties seeking treatment for a simple vomiting problem. It made us question—how much harder is it for students facing serious medical issues?”

Similarly, Thejani Senathilaka, co-director of “Washroom,” addressed the lack of female washrooms on campus, explaining how inadequate facilities affect students’ dignity and comfort.

Maduwanthi De Silva, director of “Rush Hour,” tackled the stigma surrounding menstruation, urging for open conversations and better access to sanitary products on campus.

Finally, Chamodi Jayakody, director of “View from the Top,” addressed the right to safe abortion, asserting, “Women should not be victimized for seeking an abortion. It is a matter of bodily autonomy, and we need policy-level changes to protect this right.”

Moreover, the second panel discussion featured esteemed academics, chaired by Dr. H.A. Kumudu Sumedha Sanjeewani, with panelists Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, and Prof. Patrick Ratnayake. Discussions focused on gender representation, medical ethics, and social empowerment as depicted in the films.

Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, emphasized gender biases in healthcare and the need for reforms in abortion laws. Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, highlighted how films can break gender stereotypes, noting that sexual harassment remains a major issue in universities.

The audience actively participated, raising key concerns. Mr. Harshana Eranga, Assistant Lecturer from the Department of Drama, Cinema, and Television, addressed LGBTIQ+ representation in Asian contexts, stressing the importance of inclusivity.

The ELEVATE Film Screening Summit at the University of Kelaniya proved that cinema is a powerful tool for advocacy. These films not only challenged gender norms but also amplified the voices of young women advocating for SRHR and CGBV awareness in the univeristies.

The event reinforced the idea that change begins with awareness—and that universities have a responsibility to foster inclusive conversations. The University of Kelaniya Film Summit was not just an event; it was a step toward a more equitable university setting.