The need for such a book was urgent as there is a serious scarcity of textbooks and teaching material both in Sinhala and Tamil.

This handbook will help Sri Lankan Tamil journalists and students to understand the newest trends and concepts in the field. The fundamental basics of journalism are also included in the publication.

The book is divided into two parts; he first section dealing with the principles of journalism and the second one concentrating on the practical aspect of the profession.

The chapters include: How an event is turned into news. The history of Tamil, journalism, grammar and style, news writing, sub editing, radio journalism, photo-journalism, television journalism, web Journalism, ethics, law, parliamentary reporting, court reporting, investigative reporting, science reporting etc.

The editor of this handbook is veteran journalist T. Sabaratnam who has over 40 years of experience in the journalism field both in the English and Tamil medium.

He was assisted by Mr P. Balasingham Director Sri Lankan College of Journalism. M. N. M Ameen, editor Nawamani Publications Ltd, Mr K. Kunarasa, News Editor Thinakaran,

Ms M. S Thevagowry Sri Lanka College of Journalism; S. Sri Breindaran Sri Lanka College of Journalism, K. Rushangan, Journalist, Mr. Thaha Muzammil, Deputy Editor Nawamani, Mr. N Selvakumaran, Dean, Faculty of Law, Colombo University, Mr V. A. Thiruganasuntharam, Advisor SLBC, and Mrs Ananthi Balasingham, retired journalist.

This book is recognized by the National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka.

The book was compiled in accordance with similar handbooks produced by media experts from Kenya, Afghanistan, Philippines, Cambodia and Australia

The Tamil handbook on Journalism, which is available at the Sri Lanka Press Institute, is a must in every library, media institution, and an essential read for journalists and students interested in journalism.