The QCEC is an annual event organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society and is the world’s oldest writing competition-having been established in 1883 – and receives entries from thousands of aspiring authors from across the Commonwealth. Each year, these pioneering young writers are asked to submit their pieces in response to a theme – with the topics for the year 2021 being centred around the theme , “Community in the Commonwealth”.
Awards
Helindu Karunatilake, Diyon Nevinka Galle Wadugamage, and Isira Rodrigo are three 10th grade students of
St. Joseph’s College who have made their Alma Mater proud by displaying their literary skills on this international platform. Of the record-breaking 25,648 entrants, Helindu Karunatilake won a Gold Award. His entry also won him the much coveted Gold Finalist Award.
Meanwhile, Diyon Galle Wadugamage attained a Silver award for his entry at this prestigious international competition. Isira Rodrigo, a fellow classmate, secured a Bronze award.
Essays
Helindu’s essay was titled, Rekindled: A record of Communal Survival in it, he focuses on an engaging society set 30 years in the future. His submission focuses on an Earth that had been ravaged and destroyed by Covid-19; presented through the point of view of a tired and weary survivor.
The writer gives a clear account of how the survivors build a functional society, a society free of discrimination and prejudice. This idyllic society is built on the foundation of the remmants of Earth.
Helindu’s approach in addressing the issues that challenge communal life helped him to win a place among the chosen top 171 contestants.
Diyon ‘s essay was titled Afterthoughts of a Pandemic: The End is the Beginning. This is a speech delivered through the point of view of the leader of Sri Lanka, 13 years after the pandemic that invaded our motherland slowly died on its shores. It shows how our island country emerges from its past to create a cure for Covid-19 with our renowned ancestral knowledge of medicine.
Isira Rodrigo also captured the essence of the theme in his essay, which won him a bronze award.
Helindu and Diyon have been engaged in creative writing for a considerable time. Diyon has also published a short story under the title, Blood it shed, blood it desired, on the online publishing site Wattpad.com.
Helindu, Diyon and Isira
all share a mutual passion for English Literature. While being Junior Stewards of
St. Josephs’ College Prefects Body, they are actively involved in many other extracurricular activities.
Helindu and Diyon were encouraged to display their literary skills at this prestigious competition by their English Language teacher, Himashi Gamage, while Isira’s interest in it was fostered by his English Literature teacher, Vathminee Jeerasinghe,
Both Helindu and Diyon plan to continue their literary pursuits and to bring honour and glory to their Alma Mater.
Senitha Gajasinghe, a 14-year old student of the same school has also been awarded a Bronze award. The QCEC was his first ever essay competition. He too, hopes to develop his skills further so that he may make his Alma Mater proud.
(Pix: Chinthaka Kumarasinghe)