A mindful storytelling workshop was held in Minuwangoda under NPC’s People Unite for Justice and Accountability (PUJA) project, aiming to address issues such as enforced disappearances and human rights violations.
The workshop was led by Dr. Madhubashini Ratnayake, an award winning writer, and Ruki Fernando, a human rights activist and a trainer. Dr. Ratnayake revealed the art of storytelling. “Writing is not just about conveying information; it's about getting your readers to turn the pages, eager to discover what happens next. Ethical storytelling combines truth with the art of keeping your audience engaged,” she said. Her insights underscored the importance of blending narrative craft with ethical considerations.
“The workshop provided valuable insights that will undoubtedly contribute to my storytelling endeavours. I am eager to apply the knowledge gained,” one participant said.
Ruki Fernando gave an introduction to the complex topic of enforced disappearances. His sessions covered definitions, historical context and the personal struggles of affected families. Mr. Fernando’s approach equipped journalists with a deeper understanding of the issue, enabling them to report with greater sensitivity and accuracy.
“The sessions clarified how to deeply explore and articulate complex subjects, making it easier for us to connect with our audiences,” Tania De Silva from the Daily FT noted.
Namalee Makalandawa from the government media appreciated the practical approach, saying, “The hands on sessions were extremely useful. I believe such practical elements should be a staple in future workshops.”
The workshop emphasised the importance of dialogue among journalists from different backgrounds. Vadivel Shakthivel from Eastern Press Club remarked, “The diversity of the participants added great value. The workshop not only provided new storytelling techniques but also fostered valuable connections between journalists from various communities.”
Koshala Gunawardena, a freelance journalist, found the legal insights particularly valuable. “Learning about the legal aspects of enforced disappearances was crucial. I look forward to integrating this knowledge into my reporting,” he said.
The collaborative nature of the workshop underscored the importance of unity in addressing human rights challenges. By equipping journalists from various backgrounds with the tools to tell powerful stories, NPC aims to inspire a collective movement toward understanding and reconciliation.
As a result of this workshop, journalists will produce stories on enforced disappearances, which will be featured on the PUJA Story website, set to launch soon.