Heartstrings 2026: A Celebration of English, Creativity and Student Talent
Heartstrings 2026: English Day of Business Economics was successfully held on 5 August 2026 at the Sri Sumulanga Auditorium, bringing together students, academics, distinguished guests and well-wishers for an evening dedicated to English language development, creativity, communication and student achievement.
Organised by the Department of Business Economics and Business Communication Unit, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Heartstrings 2026 provided a vibrant platform for second- and third-year undergraduates to demonstrate their talents beyond the traditional classroom through public speaking, creative writing, music, dance, drama, recitation and stage performances.
The programme commenced at 6.00 PM with the University Anthem, followed by the Welcome Speech delivered by the Head of the Department of Business Economics.
A Girls’ Song performed by third-year students opened the student performances and set the tone for an evening filled with creativity, enthusiasm and active participation.
Throughout the programme, second- and third-year students took centre stage through musical performances, dances, dramas, prepared speeches and recitations. These activities provided opportunities for students to develop not only their English-language proficiency but also their confidence, teamwork, leadership, creativity, presentation skills and ability to engage an audience.
One of the most significant highlights of Heartstrings 2026 was the launch of Echoes of Expression 2026, an Anthology of Poems, Short Stories & Essays published by the Department of Business Economics, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
The anthology brings together poems, short stories and essays written by second- and third-year undergraduates. It creates a space for students to communicate their experiences, emotions, imagination and opinions beyond the conventional boundaries of academic writing.
The first edition was published in 2024 by the Department of Business Economics.
The publication reflects an impressive diversity of student voices. Its poetry explores themes including love, separation, hope, personal growth, childhood, dreams, resilience and inner peace, while its short stories engage with imagination, kindness, courage, memory and the value of everyday human experiences.
The essay section moves towards contemporary social, business and economic issues, considering topics such as soft skills in the modern workplace, technology and human connection, environmental sustainability, online shopping and the influence of social media on businesses.
The launch therefore represented an important milestone in Heartstrings 2026, allowing student creativity to move from the classroom and stage into a permanent published form.
Following the book launch, Dean Professor Dushan Jayawikrama shared his comments with the gathering.
Dr. Sepali Bamunisinghe (BCC) also addressed the audience during the programme, while a special Guest Speech provided another important dimension to the evening.
Their participation added value to the event and reinforced the importance of providing university students with opportunities to develop communication, creativity and personal confidence alongside their academic education.
Heartstrings 2026 featured a diverse range of performances by second- and third-year students.
Musical items included Girls’ Songs, Boys’ Songs, a Solo Song, a Mixed Song and an Instrumental Performance with Song. Dance performances included Girls’ Dances and Couple Dances, while both year groups presented drama performances.
The third-year drama and second-year drama provided students with opportunities to combine English communication with acting, storytelling, teamwork and stage presence.
Together, these activities transformed the Sri Sumulanga Auditorium into a lively space for student expression and creativity.
Heartstrings 2026 also recognised outstanding student achievement through special Winner’s Performances.
The programme featured a Winner’s Performance in Recitation, followed later in the evening by a Winner’s Performance in Prepared Speech.
These performances showcased the importance of pronunciation, voice modulation, confidence, clarity, presentation and audience engagement in effective English communication.
Student accomplishments were further recognised through two Certificate Distribution sessions, while the Distribution of Tokens of Appreciation acknowledged individuals whose guidance, commitment and support contributed to the success of the event.
Heartstrings 2026 demonstrated that learning English extends far beyond grammar lessons, examinations and textbooks. Effective communication develops when students are given opportunities to write, speak, perform, collaborate and express their ideas confidently before an audience.
The educational purpose of Echoes of Expression 2026 complements this objective. The publication highlights how creative writing can develop communication, observation, empathy, confidence, critical thinking and the ability to organise ideas, which are transferable capabilities expected of contemporary graduates.
Heartstrings 2026 therefore successfully brought together language learning, literature, performing arts, personal development and student engagement in one memorable celebration.
From the opening University Anthem to the final dance and closing ceremony, the event celebrated the diverse voices and talents of Business Economics undergraduates while encouraging them to become confident communicators, creative thinkers and collaborative future professionals.
Heartstrings 2026 was more than an English Day. It was a celebration of student voices, creativity, confidence and expression.
