Events

: shezmin_2019@kln.ac.lk; Event; 02 February 2025; Hits: 29

The Journey of Wisdom Waves 2.0

The project Wisdom Waves is an impactful initiative led by the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT), Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. This project aims to enhance the English language proficiency of Sri Lankan ESL learners, with special attention to improving their listening and speaking skills. Accordingly, Wisdom Waves 2.0 took place at Holy Trinity Central College in Nuwara Eliya, featuring interactive teaching sessions for students from grades 1 to 5, on the 17^th of January 2025. Undergraduates from all four batches actively contributed to the project with the guidance of the Head of the department, Mrs. Gevani Prahalathan, and the project director, Ms. Nipuni Prabodhika.

Wisdom Waves 2.0 was truly an exciting and memorable experience for everyone. As a part of the project launch, the academic staff of the department conducted a workshop for teachers at the Zonal Educational Office, sharing innovative teaching approaches aimed at improving the speaking and listening competencies of the learners. Moreover, the undergraduates led teaching sessions at the school, using interactive speaking and listening activities that kept the young learners excited and involved. The classrooms buzzed with energy as students participated in games and discussions that made learning English enjoyable. Additionally, the organizing committee, along with the lecturers, provided activity books with textbook-based listening and speaking activities to Holy Trinity Central College, ensuring that the impact continued beyond the project.

Wisdom Waves 2.0 was more than just a teaching initiative; it also offered undergraduates a unique opportunity to grow. They were able to improve their teaching skills and gain practical insights. The collective joy of teaching created a nurturing and positive environment for both undergraduates and staff members.

Reflecting on the successful completion of Wisdom Waves 2.0, our heartfelt appreciation is extended to everyone who supported the project.

Like a wave that never stops, Wisdom Waves will once again roll forward, furthering its mission to enhance the English language skills of the next generations of learners.

: shezmin_2019@kln.ac.lk; Event; 24 December 2024; Hits: 62

Jingle Fest’24 captured the true essence of Christmas

Jingle Fest'24 is the annual Christmas extravaganza put together by the enthusiastic first-year TESLiers in the Department of English Language Teaching, University of Kelaniya. This starry celebration took place on the 20th December 2024 at the DELT Auditorium and was a gathering that brought together all members of the department.

A vintage Christmas theme inspired the Jingle Fest'24. The classic Christmas elements such as a beautifully lit Christmas tree and carols by the academic staff and students created a festive spirit. Additionally, the photo booth provided the guests with the perfect opportunity to capture and cherish the special moments of the evening.

The agenda was filled with several interesting events. The enthusiastic hosts of Jingle Fest’24; the charming Ms. Holly, Ms. Elfie, Ms. Star, and Ms. Snowflake, added excitement to the event with their energy. The Secret Thief and the Jingle Fest Pageant stood out as some of the most memorable events of the evening.

Jingle Fest '24 marked the end of 2024 with love, warmth, and harmony, where the Department of English Language Teaching came together to embrace the spirit of Christmas. The day concluded with the organizers expressing their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and made the event a huge success.

: shezmin_2019@kln.ac.lk; Event; 13 October 2024; Hits: 136

“Where Dreams Meet Opportunities – Welcome Juniors, to the Best Years of Your Lives!”

The level-up from school to university is a remarkable milestone in every student’s life. It brings excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. To ease this strangeness, second-year TESLiers organized a heartwarming and vibrant welcome ceremony for the juniors, “Meliora’24”, on the 26^th of September, 2024. The ceremony was filled with new beginnings, motivational speeches, and fun activities.

The ceremony began with a vibrant opening as the academic staff members from the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT), Ms. Nipuni Prabodhika and Ms. Nelumi Bandara, lit the oil lamp alongside the batch representatives. The auditorium was adorned with lights and colourful decorations, creating a youthful and festive atmosphere. Ms. Nipuni Prabodhika then set the tone with a lively welcome speech, sharing her hopes and encouragement for the first-year students.

To break the ice and mingle with other students, the second-year TESLiers arranged a series of interactive games. Team-building activities and fun challenges encouraged students to come out of their comfort zone and collaborate with peers. One of the highlights was in the game “Point & Discover," where freshers were given eight chits about traits of a person and they had to point to the person who has similar traits as groups. This helped them to become familiar with the undergraduates around them. Another fun activity was the Talent Show, where the audience was given balloons containing tasks to complete or imitate. This opened the door for new friendships and merry memories.

The evening was rich with the vivid talents of the students of each batch. One of the most eye-catching performances was the second-year student’s dance, which earned the loudest cheer from the audience. The musical performances from all batches were exceptional, each standing out with mesmerizing harmonies.

The welcome ceremony organized by second-year students is not just an event; it is them reaching out their hands to their juniors and encouraging them to develop their future, build new friendships, and create lifelong memories. The customized key tags were gifted to them by second-year students as a gesture of love and support. As they embrace the new chapter of their lives, the bond made this evening will play a significant role in shaping their experiences. The second-year students, through their thoughtful effort, set a positive and joyful tone for the rest of the academic year.

: shezmin_2019@kln.ac.lk; Event; 20 September 2024; Hits: 212

The Art of Storytelling: A Glimpse into Manuka Wijesinghe’s Guest Lecture

On September 10, 2024, the Department of English Language Teaching at the University of Kelaniya hosted a guest lecture by Manuka Wijesinghe, a well-known Sri Lankan writer and the author of the famous trilogy; "Theravada Man", "Sinhala Only", and "Monsoon Potholes". The session focused on writing in English, storytelling, and creative expression, providing valuable insights for aspiring writers. During her lecture, Wijesinghe shared her personal experiences that inspired her work.

She spoke about growing up in Colombo and how her cultural roots and family, especially her father and grandfather, influenced her writing. She emphasized that language and reality are deeply connected, as language itself is collected from reality. Moreover, she shared how her stories reflect the Sri Lankan experience.One of the most interesting aspects of her writing process is that she often thinks in Sinhala and writes in English, blending the two languages to capture the authenticity of Sri Lankan life. Wijesinghe shared that it took her around five years to complete Theravada Man, a novel that draws heavily from her own memories, though it's a work of fiction.

She also highlighted the importance of using Sinhala words and expressions in writing when they carry a meaning that English cannot fully express, which adds a special layer to her writing for the Sri Lankan audience. Wijesinghe encouraged the audience to find their own voice, or as she put it, their own "colour" in writing. She stressed that writing should come from within and be done in a way that doesn't harm others, but instead adds beauty to the world. She also mentioned that the sounds and rhythms of words are crucial in bringing life to characters and dialogues. This guest lecture was a unique opportunity for students to learn from a talented writer who has mastered the art of storytelling, while staying true to her cultural identity and language

: shezmin_2019@kln.ac.lk; Event; 29 June 2024; Hits: 318

Wisdom Waves: A Community Project on Teaching English as a Second Language – Uduvil Girls’ College, Jaffna

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With the vision of enriching the English language proficiency of young minds in the country; “Wisdom Waves” a pilot programme on teaching speaking and listening was launched by the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT), recognizing the challenges the students face within the English as a Second Language classroom. The project “Wisdom Waves” thus fosters a future for the next generation with boundless opportunities, inspiring them to be confident and capable English speakers.

The project was unfolded under the leadership of Mrs. Gevani Prahalathan, Head, DELT, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, in two phases on the 30th and 31st of May 2024. Accordingly, the first phase was a workshop for the English teachers in the Valikaamam educational zone, Jaffna; conducted by the lecturers at the Department of English Language Teaching. It was held at Ramanathan College, Jaffna, providing over 250 primary teachers with innovative teaching strategies and resources to enhance their classroom instruction across four key domains; Identifying diverse learner types, Crafting effective lesson plans, Mastering classroom management, and Nurturing speaking and listening abilities. Phase two of the project was held on the 31st of May 2024. A series of teaching sessions were conducted for the students of Grades 1 to 5 at the Uduvil Girls’ College, Jaffna by the first, second and third-year TESL undergraduates. Specially curated activity books were utilized to make learning English interactive and enjoyable. This was followed by a seminar for Ordinary Level students at the school by the lecturers at the department.

The success of this initiative would not have been possible without the generous support and commitment of various involved parties. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the donors and well-wishers. Special appreciation goes to the lecturers at the Department of English Language Teaching and the undergraduates, whose commitment and hard work were crucial to the project’s success.

By stimulating improved English Language skills, Wisdom Waves is not only imparting knowledge; but empowering the youth to build a better nation. This initiative stands as a testament to the positive impact of unified efforts in paving the way for a brighter future.