Reviewed by Rehan Anandakumar (Web Content Team)
A series of spectacular events were organised for the Library Day of TCK, within the months of September and October 2023. Carefully planned activities tested and nurtured the literary and creative skills of the student participants. Read A Thon, Short Story Writing, Digital Story Creation, Book Talks, Speeches, Photographic and Home Library competitions were the many challenges that the students were eager to register for, and compete in.
Adding to the glamour of the events related to the Library Day, 17th of October, blended into an evening of Literary Melodies. It was an incredible celebration of creative knowledge, and a search for talent.
The Library Day theme for the year, “Beyond the Bookshelf,” encapsulated the essence of the event. The Napier Multipurpose Learning Arena of TCK buzzed with happy voices of students and invitees.An evening of meeting cultures through literary melodies in all three languages, were to be laid out for an explicit review, by maestros.
The main theme of the evening was the many facets of LOVE: Parental love, Love for Family, Love for oneself, Love for mother nature and Romance. Especially chosen, popular Sinhala, Tamil and Western songs were carefully dissected for an elaborate review by renowned maestros.
Mr. Lasantha Tennekoon, our College Choir master expertly led the English segment, which served as the event’s opening act. The audience was taken into the world of English literature and its romantic tales as the notes and lyrics of the movie ‘Love Story’ reverberated in the air.
The Tamil music performance that followed, was a stunning illustration of the rich cultural diversity found within the Trinity College community. Mrs.Sharmiladevi Duraisingam, was the backbone of this extraordinary presentation. The chosen songs delivered an in- depth beauty of communal harmony and the simple pleasures of binding with nature.
Next up was the final music segment which was in Sinhala. Led by Mr. Samitha Dunukepotha. Deputy Director (planning) Chief Secretariat of the Central Provincial Council, a thought-provoking review of popular Sinhala Songs made the evening worth the wait. He was assisted by Mrs Nimesha Wimalsena with her expertise and knowledge in songs and her passion for compering.
The finale of the Library Week dawned on the 20th of October in the main hall of the college. The event unfolded with Master Yuki Rathnathilake the Secretary of the Library Council, welcoming the attendees with a speech that set the tone for the event’s upcoming proceedings.
The eloquent winner of the speech contest, Master Isija Thilakarathne took the stage with an electrifying speech, lighting up the crowd’s imagination about how libraries are perceived in the world. Each listener’s inner creative spark was ignited by the words he skilfully wove, transforming a routine gathering into a raging fire of zeal and inspiration.
Professor, Chalinda K. Benaragama, Head of the Department of Crop Science, faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, in his keynote address, emphasized on the importance of research-based learning. He stressed that research is not just for academia, it is a platform that improves our attitude and abilities. His message was a profound reminder that learning never stops, regardless of our age.
As the event reached its zenith, the upper school achievers were recognised for their excellence in the library day competitions. This was followed by the Chief Curator Dhananjaya Herath’s impassioned speech in his mother tongue which delved into the idea that everything we encounter holds countless discoveries to be unearthed.
With his comments, Mr. Wasana Dissanayake highlighted the fact that libraries are more than simply a place; they are also a springboard for incredible journeys, a treasure trove of emotions, and an endless source of adventure.
The event concluded with the Chief Curator, Master Dhananjaya Herath, delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks, leaving everyone acknowledging the indispensable role libraries play in our lives.
A sincere thank you to the Principal Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, Vice Principal Mr. Krishanthan Anthonydas, The Librarian Mrs. Achala Illangakoon and the Library Council for organising this special occasion.
