Image courtesy Simon Fraser University
On September 21, 2013, Sri Lankans Without Borders in partnership with Groundviews will announce the launch of the De Zoysa-Sivanayagam 2014 Fellowship in Digital Journalism. As noted on SLWB’s website,
Lasantha Wickrematunge led the fight for press freedom in Sri Lanka, “unbowed and unafraid,” for a number of years before he was assassinated in 2009. It was a cause that was bequeathed to him by a number of courageous journalists who came before him. In commemorating Wickrematunge, we also pay homage to the memory of two other journalists whom Wickrematunge knew. Although Richard De Zoysa and Subramaniam Sivanayagam belonged to two different generations and had different social and political backgrounds and experiences, their legacies are united in their struggle for the right to free expression in Sri Lanka.
More details about the new Fellowship can be read here. The partners will jointly select one candidate for a six-month fellowship with Groundviews to be based out of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The successful candidate will:
- Possess excellent knowledge of written and spoken English (and working knowledge of Tamil or Sinhala preferred but not mandatory);
- Be willing to travel around the country and stay in basic accommodations;
- Be experienced in digital research, including accessing legal authorities and sources related to freedom of expression online in other countries;
- Be able to respond and adapt to changing priorities and needs;
- Be prepared to cover some of the fellowship expenses; and
- Submit a full report upon completion of fellowship.
Application form and timelines will be published online on September 21, 2013. SLWB will give preference to working journalists, and students and graduates of journalism programs in Canada.