From Page to Stage: Engineering Freshers Bring Fiction to Life at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
From Page to Stage: Engineering Freshers Bring Fiction to Life at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Ashmini Kalika Karunarathne, Upeksha Kodithuwakku and Thushari Seneviratne
From Page to Stage: Grand Finale was held on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Building of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, as part of the Pre-Academic Term (PAT) programme. The event transformed a technical academic space into a living stage where stories, emotions, and student voices took centre place, showing how literature can shape confidence, empathy, and communication alongside formal academic learning.
The performances were the outcome of a carefully designed student assignment titled “From Page to Stage: Reading, Interpreting, and Performing a Novel,” conducted under the PAT – Library & Information Skills Module for engineering freshers. Each group was required to select a novel, read it collectively, decide what the text was truly about, and translate that understanding into a 15-minute stage performance. Rather than treating reading as a passive activity, the task encouraged students to interpret meaning, work collaboratively, and express emotion, tension, and conflict through voice, movement, and space. The assignment was framed not as a drama competition, but as an interpretation lab, where students learned to communicate human meaning, not just information.
—From Page to Stage: Grand Finale stood as a meaningful example of the University of Moratuwa’s commitment to student growth beyond the classroom—
At its core, the assignment aimed to help students develop abilities that matter far beyond the stage, including:
- working meaningfully as a team
- interpreting complex ideas
- expressing emotion and intention clearly
- communicating with confidence in public spaces
The Grand Finale represented the final chapter of a much larger mentoring journey. It began with 13 main groups supported by over 100 mentoring groups, who worked through weeks of preparation, rehearsal, and guided practice along with University of Moratuwa Library Staff. During the preliminary stages, mentoring groups presented 15-minute performances, using fiction as a platform to develop interpretation, stage presence, teamwork, and audience engagement. From these rounds, 13 best-performing sub-groups were selected for the Grand Finale. The selection process was supported by more than 20 judges, whose time, expertise, and feedback ensured fairness and consistency throughout the evaluation.
The heart of the event was the series of dramatic interpretations performed by engineering freshers. A wide range of texts, including international classics and Sri Lankan literary works, were brought to the stage. Among the titles performed were The Merchant of Venice, Five Point Someone, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madol Duwa, Harima Pudumai: Apooru Minisek, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, The Vendor of Sweets, Heidi, Booru Poraya, and The Little Prince. Each performance reflected careful engagement with character, theme, and meaning, while also building students’ confidence in public speaking and creative expression.
The programme also included a musical interlude titled “Sing Your Heart Out,” which brought warmth and shared energy to the hall. This segment highlighted that performance is not limited to dialogue and movement, but also includes voice, rhythm, and collective emotion, creating a moment of connection between performers and audience. The event concluded with a final group dance performance, which transformed the hall into a space of celebration and unity, bringing the day to a joyful close and allowing students to end the programme not in competition, but in shared achievement and collective spirit.
A key moment of the Grand Finale was the address delivered by Professor Jagath Manatunge, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, who spoke about the importance of well-rounded undergraduate development. His message emphasised that technical knowledge alone is not enough, and that communication, confidence, and human understanding are equally essential for future professionals.
The Awards Ceremony recognised the dedication, discipline, and creativity shown by the students. Certificates and awards were presented with the presence of Professor Jagath Manatunge, Mr. Prasanna Ratnayake (Chairman, PAT Coordinating Committee), and Mrs. Ruvini Kodikara (Librarian, University of Moratuwa). The performances were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges comprising Professor (Mrs.) Virajini Karunaratne, Dr. Ranga Rodrigo, and Dr. (Mrs.) Inoka Manthilake. At the conclusion of the ceremony, tokens of appreciation were presented to the judges in recognition of their time, care, and thoughtful guidance.
From Page to Stage: Grand Finale stood as a meaningful example of the University of Moratuwa’s commitment to student growth beyond the classroom. By integrating literature, performance, and reflection into the PAT experience, the programme created space for creativity, teamwork, confidence, and thoughtful communication, reminding everyone present that stories do not end on the last page, but continue through the people who carry them forward.
Mrs. Thushari Seneviratne, Deputy Librarian coordinated the PAT 2025 – Library & Information Skills Module.
Cite this article in APA as: Karunarathne, A. K., Kodithuwakku, U., & Seneviratne, T. (2026, February 11). From page to stage: Engineering freshers bring fiction to life at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Information Matters. https://informationmatters.org/2026/02/from-page-to-stage-engineering-freshers-bring-fiction-to-life-at-the-university-of-moratuwa-sri-lanka/
