In honor of the 50^th remembrance year of Pablo Neruda, the renowned Chilean poet, Nobel Prize winner, and diplomat who once served in Sri Lanka, a commemorative event was held at the Senate Room of the University of Kelaniya on the 1^st of December 2023.

This event was initiated by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in India, inviting the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya as the host. The event was held to present the book named “සෙයිලාන් දූපතේ දීප්තිමත් හුදෙකලාව” translation of a chapter of Pablo Neruda’s Memoirs to the Library of the University of Kelaniya and to the Ministry of Education to be distributed among national school libraries. This book was translated by the renowned author Mrs. Indrani Rathnasekara.

His Excellency Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile in India, concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka, and his spouse graced the event as chief guests, where Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, warmly welcomed them on behalf of the university. Addressing the distinguished audience, Ambassador Juan Angulo shared profound insights into Pablo Neruda’s invaluable contributions to Chilean literature and his diplomatic service.

Dr. Darshana Samaraweera, Deputy Director General National Institute of Education, delivered the keynote speech praising the meticulous translation of the book and providing a comprehensive overview of Pablo Neruda’s legacy. Further, Professor M. M. Gunatilake and Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, welcomed the audience, addressing the importance of the event.

A token presentation of the translated book was the highlight of the event, as Ambassador Juan Angulo and Mrs. Indrani Rathnasekara handed over copies to Dr. C. C. Jayasundara, Librarian of the University of Kelaniya, and Mr. Sanath Jayalath, Director of National Schools at the Ministry of Education.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Acting Director General of South Asia and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Asoka Dias, Director of MBC and MTV Network, and Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication. Additionally, Heads of Departments from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Humanities, along with academic staff members from the Department of Mass Communication and both faculties, were present to witness and celebrate this literary milestone.