The Department of Translation Studies at the University of Jaffna celebrated the Annual Translation Day on March 6th, 2024, with immense enthusiasm and active participation from distinguished guests, faculty, and students.
The event was designed to showcase the remarkable talents and innovative projects of students in the field of translation studies, while also fostering a spirit of academic and cultural exchange.
Professor S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jaffna, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Professor S. Raguram, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, was honoured as the Special Guest. Mr. Chaminda Mahalekam, Commissioner, Department of Official Languages, was esteemed as the Guest of Honor. 7 members from the Department of Official Languages, along with 2 lecturers and 6 students from Kelaniya University, as well as 17 students and 2 lecturers from Eastern University, added value to the event.
Highlights:
The day commenced with an exhibition featuring innovative projects by students from all academic levels within the Department of Translation Studies. These projects ranged from exhibits to court interpretation and short film, showcasing the breadth of talent within the department.
The formal program commenced in the evening with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and the singing of the Tamil anthem, symbolising the start of a day filled with cultural richness and academic excellence.
Professor S. Srisatkunarajah, Vice-Chancellor delivered an inspiring speech, commending the students for their dedication and hard work, and wished them continued success in their academic pursuits.
Dr. Guruparan, Senior Lecturer and Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology launched his maternity book, which was reviewed by Dr. Prageeth, Senior Registrar and Gynaecologist, during the event. The highlight is that the book was translated by Ms.R.Priyanadhi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Translations Studies from Sinhala to Tamil. The book’s value and general advice for the public were highlighted.
The magazine “Translator Issue VI” was unveiled, with reviews in Tamil and Sinhala by Mr. Wimal Swaminathan, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics, and in English by Mr.Shanmuganathan, Head, Department of English Language Teaching.
Prof. Raguram, Dean, Faculty of Arts, pledged support for students, promising assistance with CAT tools and access to the language laboratory to enhance their learning experience. He also encouraged the students to make such innovative ideas in future.
A certificate awarding ceremony honoured the winners of the Annual Translation Day 2023 competitions, (from Tamil to English and vice versa and Sinhala to Tamil and vice versa) recognizing their outstanding contributions and achievements.
The day concluded with various cultural performances, including a music event by 3rd-year 2nd-semester students, a debate on the complexity of literary versus non-literary translation judged by Mr. Sundareswaran, Visiting Lecturer, Department of Translation Studies, University of Jaffna and a musical performance by 2nd-year students. Assistant lecturers’ musical performance added colours to the event.
The Best Batch of the Year was awarded to the 2nd-year students to encourage them, highlighting their exceptional performance and dedication.
The formal events concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms.R.Keshalini, Secretary, Translation Studies Association, expressing gratitude to all participants followed by a group photograph session with the academic staff of the Department of Translation Studies.
