Presentation Workshop – Exchange Program – 2025
The Department of Translation Studies, University of Jaffna, organized an Inter-University Exchange Program on the 15th of October 2025 at 9.30 a.m., marking a significant milestone in the academic history of translation studies in Sri Lanka. The event commenced with an official opening address delivered by the President of the Translation Association, Miss Shokina Kirubakaran, followed by a welcome speech from the Head of the Department of Translation Studies, Dr.S K.Kannathas.
The academic proceedings began with a presentation by representatives from the Eastern University of Sri Lanka, who explored various theoretical frameworks proposed by prominent translation theorists to address the challenges encountered in English translation. Their presentation offered critical insights into how theory can inform and enhance practical translation strategies.
This was followed by a contribution from the University of Sabaragamuwa, which focused on ethical considerations in translation. Their presentation highlighted the essential principles and professional standards that translators must uphold, including accuracy, impartiality, cultural sensitivity, and the ethical responsibility inherent in the act of translation.
The final presentation was delivered by students of the University of Jaffna, who examined the practical challenges and theoretical underpinnings of translation in a trilingual context (Tamil, English, and Sinhala). They discussed key issues such as lexical gaps, cultural untranslatability, and language-specific constraints, while drawing on relevant translation theories to support their arguments. The presentation was enhanced with illustrative examples demonstrating the complexity of working across three linguistic systems.
The program concluded with the distribution of certificates of participation, followed by a feedback session in which students and academic staff reflected on the learning experience and the collaborative nature of the event. It is noteworthy that this initiative represents the first inter-university academic exchange in the field of translation studies in Sri Lanka, paving the way for future academic partnerships and contributing to the development of a more interconnected scholarly community within the discipline.
