Kegalu Vidyalaya in Kegalle made history on October 17, 2025, when around 250 students simultaneously launched their own published books under the innovative “Ankura Kathuwara” program. The remarkable event, held at the Professor Jinadasa Perera Hall, saw the unveiling of nearly 270 books ,an unprecedented achievement in the school’s literary history.
The initiative brought together students from Year 1 to Year 13, showcasing an impressive range of creativity across poetry, short stories, and novels. Many of the works were written in English, reflecting the students’ growing interest in bilingual literary expression.
Adding a heartwarming touch, even the youngest students, those not yet able to write, contributed their own illustrated books based on original drawings and paintings.
Principal A. L. P. Amarasooriya congratulated the students, describing the simultaneous publication of more than 250 books as “a remarkable awakening” and “a milestone in the school’s history.” He credited the success of the Emerging Authors Program to the collective effort and dedication of the school’s teachers.
The Kegalu Vidyalaya Old Boys' Association also recognized exceptional student authors with special awards for literary excellence.
The award for the Best A/L Sinhala Literary Work was presented to Channa Mathew Bandara for his book “Hadanagana Susuman' and the award for the Best Advance Level (A/L) English Literary Work went to Sandula Bandara Amarasinghe for “The Killer Paradox.” S. G. Sadula Samarakoon won the award for the Best Ordinary Level (O/L) Literary Work for the book “Palu Lahabe Athbhutha Eliyak.”
The ceremony was attended by members of the Old Boys’ Association, including Acting President Attorney-at-Law Udaya Asanka, along with principals and teachers from neighboring schools, parents, and well-wishers.
Distinguished guests included Professor Sunanda Premasiri from the Department of Sinhala Studies at the University of Peradeniya, prominent author Sunanda Karunaratne, and literary award-winner Dr. Amila Wijayathilaka. Both Professor Premasiri and Dr. Wijayathilaka commended the students’ achievements and encouraged them to continue their literary pursuits.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Karunaratne reflected on the importance of nurturing creativity among the younger generation. “These children were born into the digital age and are often distanced from printed media,” he said. “Their engagement with literature is a refreshing sign for the future of the arts and a step toward building a more creative society.”
Deputy Principal for Educational Development Herath Bandara announced that the school plans to make all the newly published books available to readers through an E-library concept, ensuring that the students’ creative efforts reach a wider audience in the future.
By Ishu Bandara
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