English Literary Association

What is the ELA?

The English Literary Association (ELA) of Faculty of Medical Sciences was established in 2020. It provides a platform to students to express freely and enhance their English literary abilities accomplishing national and international standards. With frequent activities and achievements, the ELA, has grown into one of the successful associations of our faculty.

It is a free and safe space created by the students for the students to acquire, improve and exercise the knowledge and skill of English language.

Through the ELA, students are given various opportunities to test their English competency such as debating, compeering, public speaking, creative writing and writing reviews on various topics ranging from movies to travel. We also conduct English enhancement sessions centered arounds the newcomers to overcome the language barrier in their personal and professional life. The ELA conducts diverse events, runs a blog and a Facebook page to achieve its mission.

Vision

To improve the English knowledge among the students of our faculty

To provide a platform to exercise and polish the existing skill in the langue through participating in various competitions and other opportunities.

History

The initiative step for this association was taken place as an inauguration ceremony on 30^th December 2020. Our honorary Dean Prof. Aloka Pathirana attended the function as chief guest. Ms. Bernadine Jeyasinghe who is a renowned television anchor came as a guest to this function and enlightened the students with a lecture on “The Importance of Leadership and Communication Skills among the Youth.” The first panel of board members were also appointed that day.

The first Board of Officials,

President

Vice President

Secretary

Assistant Secretary

Junior Treasurer

Assistant Junior Treasurer

Co-Editors-in-Chief

Minindu Ekanayake

Avanti Hapugalle

Dulanji Beneragama

Asel Wijesinghe

Dinul Doluweera

Kaveesha Jayawardane

Shangavi Navaretnam
Krishan Dhammearatchi

Committee Members

Athu Fonseka
Devni Silva
Nathasha Sirisena
Manuli de Silva
Sachitra Ratnasooriya
Jemini Wickramanayake
Senara Vidanapathirana
Mirshan Sivakumar
Milcah Wanigaratnam
Naveen Hewage

Senior Treasurer

Prof. Nilanka Perera

ACHIEVEMENTS

Clash of Minds 2024

“Clash of Minds 2024”, the Inter University Debating Competition organized by Japura Voice, the official media and broadcasting unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura the team representing the Faculty of Medical Sciences emerged champions winning against Team A of Peradeniya Medical Faculty. The team consisted of Dihan Wijayasinghe (31^st batch),Minsandi Fernando (31^st batch), Azeer Aslam (31^st batch), Ashfaaq Sheriffu (31^st batch)

Ashfaaq Sheriffu was awarded “Best point presenter”, Dihan Wijayasinghe was awarded “Best Speaker” while team FMS USJ A were voted in as the most popular team as well!

IMDC 2024

Organized by the ELA for the 2^nd consecutive year, brought together over 20 teams from various medical faculties. Team A from Japura comprising of – Dihan Wijayasinghe (31^st batch), Minsandi Fernando (31st batch), Azeer Aslam (31^st batch), Ashfaaq Sheriffu (31^st batch) emerged champions against Team A of Peradeniya Medical Faculty, in the grand finals held in the main auditorium at Colombo South Teaching Hospital.

Ashfaaq Sheriffu won the award of “Best Speaker” at this competition

Kynsey Inter-Varsity Debating Tournament

5 novice Teams from the English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ, participated in the Kynsey Inter-Varsity Debating Tournament, organized by the Medical Students’ Chamber of Debate, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Our teams showcased remarkable performance, with two teams advancing to the open semi-finals, a significant achievement in this highly competitive event. Additionally, our novice teams secured 3^rd and 4 place in the Novice Championship, further highlighting the strength and potential of our debaters.

Super Nova 2024

“Super Nova 2024”, the Inter University News-reading Competition was organized by Japura Voice, University of Sri Jayewardenepura where the following members emerged as the two finalists representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and our from our very own English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences: Ashfaaq Sherifu (31^st batch) and Minsandi Fernando (31^st batch).

Minsandi Fernando emerged champion and Ashfaaq Sherifu emerged 2^nd runner up.

BESA – Faculty of Medical Sciences Award & Best Leader Award

Senara Vidanapathirana (29^th batch), President of the ELA 2023/2024, clinched the title for “BESA – Faculty of Medical Sciences; Award” and “Best Leader Award” among J’pura University Undergraduates at JESA 2024.

Inter-Batch Scrabble Tournament

The inaugural Inter-batch Scrabble tournament organized by the ELA in collaboration with the Sports Club of our faculty was held on 12^th of March 2024 and scrabble was established in faculty for the 1^st time.

32^nd Batch emerged overall champions and Oneli Perera of the 33^rd batch secured the Best Player Award receiving all wins and a total of 1195 points.

We also participated in our first Inter-university Scrabble Encounter, “The spell 2024” organized by the University of Kelaniya, representing FMS, USJ.

Inter Medical Faculty Debating Championship – 2023

“Debate is the engine of intellectual progress. It challenges our assumptions, sharpens our arguments and leads us closer to the truth”
-Michael Sandel-

The English Literary Association (ELA) of Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ which is a club that has a reputation for debating, took the innovative step of organizing the first ever Inter Medical Faculty Debating Championship (IMDC) encouraging the participation of medical undergraduates around the country.

The tournament was a massive success with participation of 13 teams from medical faculties of various universities. It was held under three rounds as preliminary round, semi-finals and finals. The preliminary round was held via the online platform, zoom and the semi-final and final rounds were held at the faculty premises on 3^rd September, 2023 with the honourable presence of Dean, Snr. Prof. Aloka Pathirana and the senior treasurer of ELA, Prof. Varuni Tennakoon along with many other academic professionals and alumni of the faculty.

The competition was judged by many esteemed judges with profound credibility engaged in various fields since the debate was not limited to the medical field. Awards and certificates were presented to the winners following the tournament on the same day.

The ELA is planning to continue IMDC as an annual event, remarking yet another milestone in the history of the club and the tournament will stand as an open platform for medical undergraduates to widen their horizons on logical reasoning and critical thinking.

Clash of Minds 2022

The members of the English Literary Association representing the Faculty of Medical Sciences at USJ, emerged victorious at the “Clash of Minds 2022” the debating competitions organized by J’pura Voice the official media broadcasting unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura continuing its winning streak at the Clash of Minds competitions.

Winning the Inter-Faculty Psychiatry Debate 2022

The team comprising of four of the ELA’s best debaters who represented the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the Inter-Medical Faculty Psychiatry Debate 2022 claimed its winning title as the champions at the Annual Academic Sessions 2022 programme organized by The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists continuing our legacy of medical school debating.

Writers Unleashed Online Literary Writing Competition 2022

The English literary association pioneered the first ever online literary writing competition “Writers Unleashed Online Literary Writing Competition 2022” exclusively for Medical and dental students of Sri Lanka. The competition received recognition from many students from universities island wide and was praised by many for its valiant efforts in establishing a platform filled with opportunity for the writers during the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

All island Best Gavel Speaker Contest

Mr Ashfaaq Sheriffu an eloquent member of the ELA emerged as Champion at the All-island Best Gavel Speaker contest in the category of Impromptu Speech at the Gavel Conference 2022.

He was also the 1^st runner up at Vorbitor’23 organized by the gavel club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

J’pura Employability Skills Awards 2022

Two esteemed members of the English Literary Association were able to claim awarding titles at the J’pura Employability Skills Awards (JESA), organized by the Career Skills Development Society, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, on the 27^th of September 2022.

Miss Hasarah Dasanayake won the award for the
Best Leader

Miss Senara Vidanapathirana won the award for the
Best Communicator

Debating

Team Accomplishments

“Clash Of Minds 2023” the Local and International Inter-University Debating Competitions organized by “J’pura Voice” of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura our Team A comprised of Dihan Wijayasingha, Misandi Fernando and Azeer Aslam and Ashfaaq Sheriffu, emerged victorious against many teams including the law college team A.
Binura Ariyarathne of the 32^nd batch from Team B, securing the “Best Point Breaker” award of the same competition.
Ayumi De Silva of the 32^nd batch was ranked 12^th best speaker in the University speaker rankings at the “Royal Institute Debating Competition 2023”.
“J’pura Voice” Interfaculty Debating Championship 2019 (English Medium)
2^nd Runners Up – “Hulftsdorp Debates 2019” Inter University Debating Tournament– Novice Category; organized by the Sri Lanka Law College
2^nd Runners Up – Inter-University Debating Championship 2021 organized by the Law Students’ Association of the Royal Institute, Colombo – 21^st – 22^nd August 2021.
Champions – “CLASH OF MINDS 2022” – the Local and International Inter-University Debating Competitions organized by “J’pura Voice” the Official Broadcasting and Media Unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Champions – Annual Inter- medical faculty Psychiatry debate at the Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists

Oratory and Other

Ashfaaq Sherifu (31^st batch) placed 2^nd in “All Island Oratorical Competition for Undergraduates” (English Medium) organized by Sri Lanka Association for Animal and Laboratory Sciences
⁠Amirah Izadeen, Ama Gunasekara and Chethanan Mokan of the 30^th batch snatching the 1^st runners up title at “Gen-orators ’23” organized by the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Law.

YouTube Series titled Beyond the White Coat

The English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ, launched an exciting new initiative-our official YouTube series titled Beyond the White Coat. This series aims to provide a platform for exploring the diverse talents, passions, and achievements of individuals in the medical field, beyond their professional commitments. The debut episode, “Beyond the White Coat | Medicine and Beyond – Dinul Doluweera”, featured an inspiring conversation with an alumnus from the 27^th Batch, and past board member of the ELA, Dinul Doluweera, highlighting his journey, aspirations, and unique perspective on balancing life inside and outside the medical sphere.

ACTIVITIES

Ice Breaker for 34^th Batch

The English Literary Association organized “Ultimate Trivia Showdown”; an Ice Breaker event for the 34^th batch, on the 13^th of February 2025 at the Anatomy Auditorium. The event featured an exciting trivia-based format covering a wide range of popular themes, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere for the new students.

The event focused on encouraging confidence in English communication while bringing students together through a series of fun games and interactive activities. It provided an enjoyable platform for the batch to get to know one another, build connections and feel more comfortable within the faculty.

The ELA organized an Ice breaker for the 34^th batch on the 7^th of March where we promoted English speaking among the new batch of students and a held a games evening with interactive activities to help everyone connect.

⁠Debators Boot Camp for 34^th Batch – 4 Sessions

The English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ, organized a comprehensive British Parliamentary (BP) Debate Training Programme to enhance the debating skills of our members, in preparation of future debating tournaments. The programme featured a series of Debate Bootcamps and Practice Debates, each focusing on different aspects of debating, providing participants with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience.

Debate Bootcamp #1: Introduction to Debate
The first bootcamp covered the fundamentals of debate, helping participants understand the basics of argumentation and public speaking. This was held onsite, at the Recreational Room. Conducted by the members of the 32^nd Batch.

Debate Bootcamp #2: Building Arguments
This was held at Tute Room 01, under the tutelage of Dr. Dulanji Beneragama, Past President of the ELA.

Debate Bootcamp #3: Clash Point Analysis
This was held online under the tutelage of Imaadh Ifthikar from the University of Peradeniya, an experienced debater and debate coach.

Debate Bootcamp #4: Winning in the Second Half
This was held onsite, and conducted by members of the 31^st Batch.

APIIT Inter-university Debating Championship

5 Teams from the English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ, participated in the APIIT Inter-university Debating Championship, organized by the Moot, Debate & Mock Mediation Society (MDMMS) of APIIT Law School, Colombo. Team Japura Yellow featuring Mihini Kodikara and Manar Mohamed broke into the Semi-finals of the competition.

Team “Japura Blue”

Binura Ariyaratne – 32^nd Batch
Sachithra Weerakoon – 32^nd Batch

Team “Japura Yellow”

Mihini Kodikara – 32^nd Batch
Manar Mohamed – 32^nd Batch

Team “Japura Red”

Vikkaas Sivanesarajah – 34^th Batch
Nisani Shantheeban – 34^th Batch

Team “Japura White”

Abinesh – 34^th Batch
Sathira Vidanagamage – 34^th Batch

Team “Japura Green”

Nadeshya – 34^th Batch
Jonathan – 34^th Batch
Janudi Yaddehige – 32^nd Batch (Joint team with UCFM)

Inter-Batch Scrabble Tournament 2025

The annual inter-batch scrabble tournament was held on the 29^th of May, 2025, in collaboration with the Sports Club, at the first floor of the New Canteen premises. Teams from the 31^st. 32^nd, 33^rd, and 34^th batches participated while the 32^nd Batch emerged winners for the 2^nd consecutive year.

IMDC 2025

The English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, proudly hosted the Inter-Medical Faculty Debating Championship 2025 (IMDC 2025), continuing its legacy as a pioneering initiative by a medical faculty to host a debating tournament of this caliber.

The championship welcomed over 20 teams from medical faculties across the country, with debates conducted in the widely recognized World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) format. An experienced panel of adjudicators, verified by the Debaters’ Council of Sri Lanka, ensured that each round was judged with fairness, clarity and high standards.

IMDC 2025 was more than just a competition. It was a space where ideas were challenged, voices were heard, and lasting connections were formed. The tournament highlighted strong critical thinking, confident expression, and thoughtful engagement among future healthcare professionals.

Held over two days, the competition featured online preliminary rounds, followed by the semi-finals and grand finale held at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, marking a memorable conclusion to the championship.

Quiziology

Quiziology, held on the 9^th of July 2025, was a Faculty Quiz Night organized by the ELA. It was a fast paced, brain buzzing showdown where 5 teams put their fusion of knowledge and teamwork to the test. Teams of students or lecturers competed against each other in six rounds comprising of Politics and Current Affairs, Films and TV, with Science, Sports, Arts, Geography, and History in between.

The top 2 teams advanced to an electrifying final round where speed too was thrown into the mix and emerged as joint champions at the end of the night.

The two teams were as follows,

31^st Batch

Thejana Edirisinghe
Lakindu Gamage
Mayuri Ekanayake
Lahiru Jayasinghe
Gehan Bogahawatte
Seniru Nanayakkara

32^nd Batch

Inakshi Perera
Nadeeshan Hordagoda
Mihini Kodikara
Disara De Silva
Dayan Samarasinghe
Vimukthi Gunathilaka

The Spell

The annual invitational inter-faculty Scrabble tournament, The Spell 2025, organized by the University of Kelaniya, was held on 29^th June 2025. It was hosted by the Scrabble Team of the University of Kelaniya and it brought together participants from various universities, providing an opportunity for all our scrabblers to sharpen their word skills and renew their enthusiasm for this beloved game.

The tournament served as a valuable opportunity for the club members to show off their skill, with Oneli Perera placing 2^nd in the individual category while also allowing participants to further develop their strategic thinking and word-building skills.

4 teams participated in the tournament,

Men’s team A

A. Lahiru Jayasinghe
D. Hewawellalage
Pravanish
Senthuuran
Pravienan
Ashfaaq Sheriffu

Women’s team A

M.N. Fernando
H. Perera
P. De Silva
L.S.P. Mendis
M. Fathima Zaireen
L.A.Y. Ariyarathne

Men’s team B

Dihan Wijayasinghe
Gayanka Nimshan
Janudha Ariyatillake
Asikur Rahuman Adnaan
Nithiyananda Abienesh
Ifthikar Mohammed Inam

Women’s team B

I.A. Perera
Harini Pathirana
Ruchee Epitakaduwa
Teena Ranawaka
Disara De Silva
Navithmi Bandara
Ninuri Bandara

AGM 25/26

The Annual General Meeting of the English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ, was held on the 31^st of July 2025, marking the close of a productive year and the beginning of a new phase of leadership and initiatives for the 2025/2026 term.

At the meeting, the outgoing committee delivered the annual report the financial statement, and an overview of the association’s progress, accomplishments, and challenges throughout the year.

The AGM also facilitated the election of the new executive committee. The newly elected president outlined the club’s aspirations for the year ahead, emphasizing increased student involvement, the promotion of literary and public speaking platforms, and the expansion of the association’s presence within the community.

This meeting also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of the previous board members while setting clear and progressive goals for the year to come.

The newly elected board is as follows:

President
Dihan Wijayasinghe

Vice President
Minsandi Fernando

Secretary
Binura Ariyaratne

Junior Treasurer
Kaviknan Kirupananthan

Co-Editors in Chief
Azeer Aslam
Sajaa Rasmy
Ayumi De Silva

Assistant Secretary
Sasanda Hewawellalage

Assistant Junior Treasurer
Sachithra Weerakoon

Chief of Public Relations
Mihini Kodikara
Praharsha Herath

Chief of Publishing
Fahad Faisaal
Inam Ifthikar

Project Coordinators
Teena Ranawaka
Gigiri Jayawardhana
Ashfaaq Sheriffu

Game Night : Board Game Edition

The English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, hosted Game Night: Board Game Edition on the 11^th of September 2025, bringing together students from multiple batches for an evening of fun and relaxation.

The event featured a variety of board games, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere where participants had the opportunity to mingle, bond and enjoy friendly competition beyond their usual academic routines.

Through shared laughter and interactive play, Game Night: Board Game Edition created an enjoyable space for students to connect, unwind and make lasting memories within the faculty.

Medical Mayhem : Halloween Night

The English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ, hosted Medical Mayhem: Halloween Night a thrilling Halloween-themed game night that brought the spooky season to life.

The event featured an array of exciting activities, including a house of horrors, a custom-made escape room, a costume contest, photobooth, food stalls, music and immersive Halloween décor, creating a perfect blend of chills and fun. Students embraced the festive spirit with creative costumes and enthusiastic participation, making the night a memorable celebration of camaraderie and entertainment.

Medical Mayhem: Fright Night at the Faculty

The English Literary Association of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJ, in collaboration with the Nature and Photography Club, FMS, USJ, hosted a thrilling Halloween-themed game night that brought the spooky season to life. The event featured an array of exciting activities, including themed games, a custom-made escape room with a medical theme, photobooth, music and immersive Halloween décor, creating a perfect blend of chills and fun. Students embraced the festive spirit with creative costumes and enthusiastic participation, making the night a memorable celebration of camaraderie and entertainment.

Trivia Nights: A Platform for Intellectual Stimulation

The recreational room has served as an ideal venue for hosting trivia nights organized by the English Literary Association. These events have captivated the minds of participants, offering a lively atmosphere where knowledge is put to the test. The room’s multimedia capabilities, particularly the TV screen, have been invaluable in presenting trivia questions, visuals, and multimedia content, making the experience both informative and entertaining.

English Enhancement Sessions: Enhancing Learning through Multimedia

As part of their commitment to enhancing English language skills, the association has conducted English Enhancement Sessions in the recreational room. Here, students have had the opportunity to delve into complex concepts, such as anatomy, through the use of multimedia resources available in the room. The interactive sessions have facilitated a deeper understanding of subjects while fostering a creative and engaging learning environment.

Game Nights: Fostering Camaraderie and Relaxation

Recognizing the importance of fostering social bonds among members, the English Literary Association has organized game nights in the recreational room. The versatile and welcoming ambiance of the room has played a vital role in creating a comfortable space for participants to relax, enjoy friendly competitions, and strengthen interpersonal connections. From classic board games to interactive video games, the recreational room has facilitated memorable and enjoyable experiences for all.