KOICA -AKOFE Knowledge Dissemination Programme at the Department of Government Information

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Alumni Association of KOICA Fellows in Sri Lanka (AKOFE), successfully conducted a Knowledge Dissemination Programme for School Media Society Teachers on 9th October 2025 at the Main Auditorium of the Department of Government Information.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the retired Director of Media from NIE, Mr. Bandula P Dayarathna, Midea Expert Mr. Kamal Welegoda, President of AKOFE, Mr. Roshan Serasinghe, members of the AKOFE Executive Committee, and officials from the Department of Government Information.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bandula commended KOICA and AKOFE for accepting the request and dedicating their time to facilitate this valuable program despite their busy schedules. While sending her remarks, KOICA Deputy Country Director Ms. Hwang Sun Hyung highlighted the importance of introducing the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to educators, noting its relevance in preparing students to meet future challenges in media and communication.

Education has always been a key pillar of cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka. Knowledge dissemination serves as an interactive and impactful approach to transferring expertise and best practices to communities. This particular programme focused on Mass Media IT tools, Artificial Intelligence Journalism, enabling participants to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, and it was lectured by the KOICA CIAT Fellowship trainee who completed an AI Journalism training Program in Korea.

KOICA strongly believes that the outcomes of this dissemination programme will contribute to strengthening the professional capacity of school teachers, enhancing their ability to guide students, and equipping them to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the digital era.

About KOICA

KOICA, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, is the Republic of Korea’s leading governmental organization responsible for implementing grant aid programs and promoting sustainable development worldwide. Established in 1991, KOICA has maintained a country office in Sri Lanka since 1995. Over the past three decades, KOICA has supported Sri Lanka through diverse projects, expert and volunteer deployment, fellowship programs, and partnerships with ministries and local institutions.

To date, more than 3,350 Sri Lankans have participated in KOICA’s fellowship and capacity-building programs, and on average around 130 government officials are invited to Korea each year through the CIAT Fellowship Program.