The official launch of “Ae Handa Methana” (ඒ හඳ මෙතැන), the highly anticipated debut poetry collection by Senior Lecturer Anuruddha Pradeep Karnasuriya from the Department of Political Science, was successfully held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Sri Sumangala Sabhasadaya under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Upul Subasinghe and the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda.
Organized by the Department of Political Science, the event brought together a distinguished gathering of university leadership, academics, writers, journalists, artists, and students to celebrate this major creative and literary milestone within the faculty.University Leadership CommendationsAddressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Upul Subasinghe and Dean Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda extended their formal congratulations to Mr. Karnasuriya. They strongly emphasized the importance of academic faculty actively engaging in the creative arts. The university leaders noted that such scholarly and artistic contributions significantly enrich the cultural landscape of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, fostering an environment of holistic education that inspires the wider student body.
Keynote Reflections on Literature and Society
The launch featured two primary critical reviews delivered by renowned public intellectuals:
Prof. Liyanage Amerakeerthi analyzed the stylistic depth of the collection, highlighting how the 43 poems effortlessly bridge the gap between profound human romance and complex social realities. He commended the author’s ability to vocalize deep, often unexpressed human vulnerabilities through simple yet powerful metaphors.
Political and Media Analyst Rasika Jayakodi focused on the socio-political undercurrents within the text. He noted that while the book is heavily steeped in romantic themes, it simultaneously acts as a mirror to contemporary societal structures, offering readers both an emotional escape and a space for critical reflection.
Author’s ReflectionsIn his address, author Anuruddha Pradeep Karnasuriya shared insights into his creative journey. He explained how his day-to-day background in political science naturally intersects with his poetic expression to capture the dualities of intense love and soft human realities.
The event, which was gracefully compered by Dr. Sunil Derangala, concluded with the presentation of the first copies of the book to the Vice Chancellor, the Dean, and other distinguished guests.
Published by Sarasavi Publishers, “Ae Handa Methana” is now available at all major book outlets.
