THILINI MEEGASWATTA M.A. – RESEARCH FELLOW AT THE CHAIR OF ENGLISH LITERARTURE

Thilini Meegaswatta is from Sri Lanka. She completed her BA Honours degree in English and Master of Arts degree in English Studies in Sri Lanka. Following her graduation, she first taught at the University of Kelaniya for one year and then taught at a defence university (KDU) for nearly five years. Since then, she has been a junior academic at the Open University of Sri Lanka. She is currently on study leave to complete her doctoral degree here in Dresden with the help of a DAAD and an AHEAD scholarship. Her research interests include postcolonial literature, conflict litrature, gender studies, and media studies.

How do you like Dresden?

I have to say, very much. Dresden is a city of right kind and right size. I mean, it is not too big, not too small, not too industrial, and not too crowded. And, of course, it has impressive architecture, easily accessible green spaces and a lovely mix of low-key, calm and quiet and colourful cosmopolitan energy.

So, I really think Dresden has something to offer to anyone. I love the city.

Is it your first time in Germany and Dresden?

Yes, it is. I have already spent nearly two years here. And I would stay for another two years or so. It is wonderful. And I really like it, and my colleagues are just brilliant.

What is your connection to TU Dresden?

I'm here because TU Dresden offered the best supervision match for my project. Prof. Stefan Horlacher specializes in gender studies and especially masculinities, and also has a targeted interest in South Asian literature and also Sri Lanka.

And those are elements that I deal with primarily in my studies. So it's really a good supervision match.

Can you tell me something about your recent project?

Yes. My doctoral project is located at the intersections where conflict, masculinity, and narrative meet. I look at the configurations of masculinities in South Asian narratives of war and conflict. Conflict and violence are such significant aspects of South Asian societies, and you cannot ignore how closely notions of masculinity and femininity are linked to violence in general in our societies.

I look at literature to critically explore the ways in which masculinity is implicated in violent conflicts, and is in turn shaped and transformed by conflicts, and to explore what alternatives literature may offer.

Do you investigate only literature from Sri Lanka, or do you have a look at other literature?

I want to explore South Asian conflicts and contexts of war. So I look at both literature coming out of Sri Lanka and India -- literature about the decades of war that we had in Sri Lanka and in the case of India, the Kashmir conflict.

What was your most interesting research topic so far?

Obviously, I'm very interested in what I'm currently working on. But I want to pick out two things that I have worked on so far and published so far.

The first one is a project during COVID19. I researched the challenges it posed for the working women of Sri Lanka, especially in the context of introducing working from home. And this was the first time I used a primarily quantitative approach. I published the results in a paper titled „The Balancing Act: Employed Women Navigating the COVID-19 Lockdown in Sri Lanka“. And it was a refreshing experience which also later led to an invitation to co-author a chapter for an edited volume on women and work in Asia and the Pacific. That came out recently, and it has been an exciting experience overall, and I could definitely expand my horizons.

Another paper I took great pleasure in writing was one that explored if and to what extent violence could be a site of empowerment and agency for women in times of war. This question was posed in relation to the female militants in Sri Lanka. I looked at how literary portrayals of female militants challenge conventional history and narratives, and in doing so contribute to expand our own boundaries of understanding pertaining to female militancy in times of war and conflict. It was a very thought provoking exercise. I enjoyed it very much as well.

Did you already give a lecture and how did you experience the German students?

Yes, I did. This semester I'm teaching my third seminar. And that has also been a really nice experience. Teaching is one of the highlights of my week. The students have been great. Sometimes it's challenging, but I've always enjoyed teaching.

Which item do you absolutely need at your workplace?

I need chocolate.  It really helps and it makes life better.

Do you have a favourite quote? If so, what is it and from whom?

I do have many favorite quotes. One of my favorite quotes that, actually, I can recite off the top of my head is from the poem „Auguries of Innocence“ by William Blake. The first four lines really struck a chord with me.

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour

I really like these lines because they remind us to find joy in little moments in life. It tells you that the tiniest thing can be the world and that the ordinary can be extraordinary.

Which advices would you give to future students?

I think one of the most important aspects of university life, especially in social sciences and humanities, is reading. Reading as much as possible -- not only different kinds of literature, but also other types of nonfiction, and also theoretical secondary literature. It can really improve your work as a student. I really see the difference sometimes.

In a seminar, for example, when there are two novels to read, I feel that sometimes students do not put enough time to even read the primary texts. But if you are a student of English literature, it should be a staple in your life.

So if you can enjoy reading not only the recommended texts, but also other things, I think it really makes a difference -- not only in terms of knowledge, but in the way you express yourself, your vocabulary, your jargon, everything and the overall quality of your work. It is really something that  can have a visible impact on your performance as an undergraduate.

More information about you can be found:

• LinkedIn: https://lk.linkedin.com/in/thilini-meegaswatta
• Google scholar: Thilini N K Meegaswatta
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thilini.meegaswatta/
• Instagram: thil_88