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Open Mic Evening 2020 - Into the Virtual Space!

 




             The Department of English of the University of Kelaniya is a space that fosters creativity, understanding and deep values that help us become better human beings. It is a space where students are inspired to be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge and their goals in life. It nurtures the curiosity and desire to explore our own individuality, the larger society or the world we live in. The Department of English consists of a community of inspiring and dedicated lecturers and undergraduates who constantly strive to achieve excellence through their passion to learn, adapt and create new knowledge. The teaching methods and material, principles, academic standards maintained by the department along with the activities and events conducted are reflective of these qualities. The Open Mic Evening 2020 was one such event that brought to light the brilliance our department has successfully generated.

 
        The Open Mic Evening 2020 was one of the most successful events organized by the English Students’ Association of the University of Kelaniya. This was an event that provided a platform for the students of the Department of English to share their poetry, prose, art, photography or any other creative talent. Initially, it was scheduled to be held within the university premises where students could participate and witness the amazing talents of their peers. Unfortunately, due to the increase in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic the university was closed down and the event was postponed. This was quite disheartening for all of us, but in order to keep our spirits up and remain connected with each other during this time, we took steps to hold the event on a virtual platform. Not only was this a great opportunity for us to reach a wider audience since more students were able to join the event from the comfort of their homes, it also provided us the experience of shifting on to a virtual space. We were given the chance to face the challenges of technology, adapt ourselves to the new normal and to develop new ways of thinking. Making the maximum use of the circumstances, we were able to hold the event via Google Meet on Saturday, 31st October, 2020 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. The students of the department made this day a memorable one with the most spectacular performances.
 
       The Open Mic Evening 2020 was the first major event that was organized on a virtual platform. Around 70 participants including our lecturers, students of the department and undergraduates of the university joined in to support their friends and to share their creativity. Breath-taking photographs, amazing handicrafts, delightful renditions of some classics and recitations of some beautiful poems were some of the highlights of the evening. A few riddles and games were also played to keep the excitement going. The items performed during the event provided ample evidence of the diverse and phenomenal talents of the students of the Department of English. This event opened up many possibilities and gave us the strength to organize even bigger events virtually such as the first phase of the Kelaniya English Literary Festival (KELF), one of the most-awaited events celebrated annually in order to commemorate the life and work of Professor Manique Gunesekera. Moreover, it clearly showed the flexibility and innovative nature of the lecturers and the students of the Department of English. As the first virtual event, The Open Mic Evening 2020 has proven to be one that will become an example of how the department is able to face any challenge with resilience and confidence.  
 

- Sasha Hewa



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