Maupassant Travels from French to Sinhala: A Student-Centred Literary Initiative
Pransa Keti Katha, a collection of Guy de Maupassant’s short stories translated directly from French into Sinhala, was celebrated through a literary discussion in Colombo, highlighting student-centred learning, translation and intercultural exchange.
The project was led by Charitha Liyanage, Senior Lecturer in French, with students Shayini Ganegama, Thasheela Wijesundara, Aminda Wickramarathne, Prabashi Munipura, Chinthika Gunarathne, Lakimini Rathnayake and Prathiba Hansajanani of the Department of Languages, Cultural Studies and Performing Arts, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. By translating original French texts and presenting their work publicly, the students moved beyond conventional classroom learning to develop linguistic, literary and critical skills through practical experience.
The event featured a literary dialogue with acclaimed Sri Lankan writer Savin Edirisinghe, winner of the Gratiaen Prize and the State Literary Award for Best Short Story Collection. Selected passages were presented in French and Sinhala, followed by discussions on Maupassant’s portrayals of women, human relationships and society, as well as the challenges of translating his humour, irony and nineteenth-century language.
The event was also graced by the presence of Dr Irosha Chandrasekara, Senior Lecturer in French, and Dr Samanthika Lokugamage, Senior Lecturer in Japanese.
The book project was sponsored by the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and the event was organised by the Alliance Française de Colombo. The programme opened with remarks by H.E. Rémi Lambert, Ambassador of France; Benoît Hiberty, Cultural Counsellor; and Anaïs Delbarre, Attachée for Cooperation and Culture, Cécile Hoorelbeke, Directress of Alliance française de Colombo.
The Sinhala-language editing was undertaken by Chinthaka Sameera, Sanskrit Lecturer, while renowned artist Anura Dahanayaka created the cover artwork.
The initiative illustrates how university learning can extend beyond the classroom, enabling students to become translators, cultural mediators and active contributors to literary exchange between France and Sri Lanka.
