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On the 18th of August 2025, the Chinese Unit of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Kelaniya launched its first translation publication by undergraduates, චීන කෙටිකතා පරිවර්තන සංග්‍රහය I. The event, held at the faculty auditorium, was graced by several esteemed guests. The chief guest was Professor Jinadasa Danansooriya from the Department of Sinhala, and the participation of the head of the Department of Modern Languages, Ven. Senior Professor Nedalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, also added great significance to the occasion.

The project was initiated under the concept and guidance of Senior Lecturer Sulochana Rathnayaka of the Chinese Unit. Third-year undergraduates specialising in Chinese took the lead in translating a collection of stories written by several renowned Chinese authors, including Yu Hua, Lu Xun, etc. The selected short stories represent a wide range of genres, exploring themes such as morality, globalisation, change, revenge, and mortality. The translated works were subsequently refined under the editorial guidance of Senior Lecturer Kithmi Perera from the Department of Sinhala.

The e-book version of the translation was officially launched by the Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Ven. Senior Professor Nedalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero. This was followed by a critical analysis of the book conducted by Professor Danansooriya. His insightful remarks not only highlighted the value and relevance of the publication but also encouraged the undergraduates to continue exploring the field of translation with greater ambition.

This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone for the Chinese Unit of the University of Kelaniya, as it not only showcases the academic capabilities of its undergraduates but also strengthens cross-cultural understanding between China and Sri Lanka. By opening new pathways in literary translation, the project reflects the dedication of both students and lecturers in bringing diverse voices to a wider readership. The publication is expected to serve as an inspiration for future undergraduates to continue enriching the literary landscape through translation and cultural exchange.

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The අකුර Project, organized annually by the Chinese Language Association of the Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya, successfully provided dry food items to reopen the closed hostel of Nonperial Vivegananda College in Balangoda, situated at an altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level. This school, located in the village of Nonperial in Balangoda town in the Ratnapura district, is home to 12 teachers and 49 students.

The journey to this college, nestled in a breathtakingly beautiful environment, is a challenging one. It is a touching and heartfelt reality that many students at this college walk approximately 8 to 12 kilometers each day to attend school, as shared by the principal.

To support students coming from such distant areas, arrangements were made to establish a hostel within the college itself. However, due to ongoing hardships—particularly the lack of dry food items—it became difficult to maintain and operate the hostel.

Recognizing this need, the Chinese Language Association selected this college as the beneficiary of the අකුර Project. This initiative was carried out under the guidance of Senior Professor Venerable Nedalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Senior Lecturer Sulochana Rathnayake, and other dedicated lecturers.

We received the heartfelt support and assistance of many individuals, which helped to make this project unexpectedly successful. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed.

Moving forward, we remain dedicated to uplifting the lives of students in underprivileged schools by continuing our support through the අකුර Project—an initiative devoted to providing essential supplies and nurturing hope for a brighter future.