Aesthetics and Engineering in one place
THARINDU WEERASINGHE
Most of the Peradeniya graduates know how much its surroundings
stimulate undergraduates' desire to connect with arts and culture.
Serene and picturesque environs blend with yellowish creepers and
pinkish Roberosia to give a unique snap shot of the Sri Lanka's
pioneering university.
A scene from a play |
A dance item by the undergraduates |
Its faculty of engineering plays a vital role in Sri Lanka's
engineering education as well as technological growth. Peradeniya
engineers are thorough not only in engineering aspects but also
aesthetic.
Many would find it hard to imagine engineering undergrads engaging in
some activity outside their academic stream like performing arts; but if
you are willing to seek the lifestyle of a 'Pera' budding engineer, then
you will be proven wrong. When it comes to enhancing the artistic
flavours of its undergraduates; faculty's Art Circle which was, formed
20 years back, plays a pivotal role which encourages the hidden
aesthetic interests.
The society consists of a president, vice-president, secretary,
editor, junior treasurer and senior treasurer and is under the guidance
of its senior treasurer, Dr Janaka Wijayakulasooriya. Any undergraduate
can be a member of the Art Circle even though he or she believes that he
or she is not gifted with aesthetic talents.
The Art Circle of the faculty of engineering had organized a number
of functions in order to arouse the aesthetic curiosity of the
contemporary varsity community throughout the last two decades. Talent
shows of performing arts are held every semester.
The most recent ones are Sanuhare and Ranga Sobha which showcased
singing, dancing, acting and presenting skills of budding engineers.
The Art Circle also supports Mage Deshaya Avadi Karanu Mana!, the
annual literary festival held by the Students' Union of the university.
The society also maintains a notice-board which is filled with
artistic literary contributions of the individuals from the faculty. The
faculty has significant respect for its Art Circle purely because it is
the one of the few societies of that kind in the whole university that
deals with ongoing aesthetic activities. |