The literature forum on “Ceylon in Ivan Bunin’s Russian Perspective” organized by the Russian Studies Unit of the Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the Russian Literary Circle of the Russian House in Colombo, was held on the 24^th of January 2024 at K14 Boardroom of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya.

This forum was organized under the supervision of Ven. Dr. Meemure Gunananda Thero in celebration of the commemoration of the 70^th death anniversary of Ivan Bunin, the first Russian writer to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. The event featured presentations on Ivan Bunin’s literary contribution and a certificate distribution ceremony for essay competition winners.

Promoting Russian literature regarding the literary works of Ivan Bunin, exploring the interconnections between literature and art, history, and political activism, providing a program that engages and inspires the interest of students in Russian literature, and setting up an inclusive forum that brings together people with a common interest in literature were key objectives of the forum.

The event was graced by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya as the Chief Guest, His Excellency Mr. Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives as the Guest of Honor and Mrs. Maria L. Popova, Director of the Russian House in Colombo, Deans of the Faculties of the University of Kelaniya including Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Ven. Professor Nedalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head of the Department of Modern Languages as honorable guests. Heads of the Departments and Academics of the University of Kelaniya and Members of the Russian Literary Circle also participated in the forum.