“Remembering Professor Manique 2023”, an event in commemoration of the former Chair Professor of English, Professor Manique Gunasekera was held on the 11^th of October 2023 at the University of Kelaniya. The event was organized by the English Students’ Association (ESA) of the Department of English.

Professor Manique’s family and friends, together with the academic staff and students at the university graced this occasion to mark the launch of the ‘Remembering Professor Manique Gunasekera Project’ and share their memories of the late professor.

The event commenced with the distinguished guests lighting candles in memory of Professor Manique, followed by Dr. Shashikala Assella, the Head of the Department of English welcoming the gathering. Professor Prabha Manuratne was then invited to share her memories of Professor Manique. She spoke on the profound contributions of Professor Manique towards Sri Lankan English and her experiences with Professor Manique during her undergraduate years. Following her speech, Professor Eisha Hewabowela, Ms. Lilanka Boteju, Professor Arjuna Parakrama, and General Lalin Fernando reminisced about their cherished memories with Professor Manique.

During the event, the English Students’ Association launched the “Remembering Professor Manique Gunasekara Project” with the aim of disseminating knowledge, raising awareness, and improving the English language literacy of the students of Wedamulla Maha Vidyalaya. This project will serve as a tribute to Professor Manique’s enduring legacy, with the sincere aspiration to perpetuate the impact she has left behind. Furthermore, the project stands as a catalyst for enhancing the civic engagement of students within the Department of English. 

The inaugural initiative of the project will host a child protection awareness program at Wedamulla Maha Vidyalaya in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Colombo City. The Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Colombo City Mohamed Husni spoke on the partnership and expressed the organization’s willingness to support the civic engagement of students. Furthermore, the principal of Wedamulla Maha Vidyala Ms. Nilusha Dantasinghe expressed her support and appreciation of the project.

Concluding the event with gratitude, the President of the English Students’ Association Thadini Liyanage extended sincere thanks to everyone in attendance for honouring the memory of Professor Manique Gunasekera.