Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Sri Lanka Haiku Association marked its sixth anniversary with a splendid national convention held at the prestigious Colombo Library and Documentation Center. This grand celebration brought together haiku enthusiasts, both local and international, in a joyous gathering to commemorate the rich tradition of this captivating form of poetry.
The highlight of the event was the launch of eight enchanting books featuring Sri Lankan Haiku poems. These literary gems were penned by talented students from Haiku study Centers , showcasing their deep understanding and appreciation of the art form. The convention not only served as a platform for emerging poets but also drew the attention of seasoned haiku enthusiasts and foreign poets who added a global perspective to the celebration.
Distinguished guests graced the occasion, with Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, the Dean of the Department of Humanities and Social Studies at Sri Jayewardenepura University, presiding as the chief guest. Professor Heenkenda, a passionate advocate for poetry, shared his insights, inspiring the gathering with his profound understanding of haiku.
A special moment during the event was the captivating talk by Mr. Sunil Sarath Perera, a veteran lyricist with a rich background in the arts. Mr. Perera recounted his experiences in Japan during his tenure as the Director General of Sri Lanka Television Corporation. His talk provided a unique perspective on the cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Japan, adding a fascinating layer to the convention.
Mrs. Radhika De Silva, an esteemed professional from the Open University, and Chairman Mr. Palitha Senaratne delivered speeches that resonated with the audience, emphasizing the significance of fostering creativity and cultural exchange through haiku poetry.
Adding a touch of grace to the celebration, undergraduate students Chalana Devmini Ranwala and Pasangi Mekhalani Bandara from the Sri Lanka University of Information Technology mesmerized the audience with a captivating Pooja dance. The cultural richness was further enhanced by the musical talents of Tinara Hinkenda, playing the violin, and her friend P Kuluni Methsala, playing the sarapura, both students of Musius College, Colombo, who provided enchanting background music throughout the event.
The association’s website was also launched during the event, providing a digital platform for enthusiasts to explore and engage with the rich world of Sri Lankan Haiku. This website serves as a hub for haiku enthusiasts, offering a virtual space to discover the newly launched books, connect with like-minded individuals, and stay updated on upcoming events and activities organized by the Sri Lanka Haiku Association.
Additionally, the Sri Lanka Haiku Song was officially launched on the website, adding a musical dimension to the celebration. This melodious composition, inspired by the art of haiku, further enhances the cultural experience for enthusiasts who can now enjoy both the written and musical expressions of this traditional Japanese poetic form. The song, a harmonious blend of melody and verse, serves as a unique contribution to the cultural landscape, underscoring the association’s commitment to fostering creativity and appreciation for haiku in diverse artistic forms.
The convention proved to be a harmonious blend of cultural exchange, poetic exploration, and artistic expression. As the Sri Lanka Haiku Association looks back on six years of nurturing creativity and passion, the future of haiku poetry in Sri Lanka appears bright and promising.
The books launched at the event include:
- “Twilight Poems” by Nalini De Silva:
- “Through the Horizon” by Subhashini Jayatilake:
- “Sighing Mountains” by Anusha Gamaethige:
- “On the Snow, a Lonely Willow Leaf” by Inoka Rajapaksha:
- “Sacred Journey” by Sudarshini Kuruppu:
- “Boundless Haiku” by Palitha Senarathna:
- “Moonlight in the Wood” by Samanthi Ranamukage:
- “Unfallen Rain Drops” by Udaara Dikkumbura:
