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