University of Iowa News Release

Oct. 20, 2005

Sri Lankan Author To Discuss Being A Muslim Writer Oct. 25, 27

Sri Lankan author Ameena Hussein will speak "On Being a Muslim Writer in Sri Lanka" twice next week -- at noon Tuesday, Oct. 25, with the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council and at noon Thursday, Oct. 27, during International Thursdays. Both presentations are open to the public. The Foreign Relations Council presentation will be held in the Rockwood Fellowship Hall, Congregational Church, 30 N. Clinton St. in Iowa City. International Thursdays meets in the UI International Center Lounge.

Hussein, a participant in the University of Iowa International Writing Program, has written two short-story collections, "Zilij" and "Fifteen" and is at work on a novel. She is also the editor of "Nethra," a journal by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, which addresses issues of violence, governance and development. In 2003, she co-founded the Perera-Hussein Publishing House to shed light on emerging and established Sri Lankan writers. She is also active outside of the publishing industry and is a consultant for several international human rights nongovernmental organizations.

Reservations are required for the Oct. 25 Foreign Relations Council event. To reserve a spot at this luncheon, please mail reservation forms with a check by Monday, Oct. 24 to: ICFRC, 140 International Center, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242-1802. Reservations are $7 for members and $8.50 for non-members. For more information on the luncheon talk, the ICFRC or special accommodations to attend this lunch, please contact Tom Baldridge at thomas-baldridge@uiowa.edu or 319-335-0351. This event is co-sponsored by the council and UI International Programs with support from Prairie Lights Books and Brandt Heating & Air Conditioning.

Hussein's Oct. 27 presentation is part of the International Thursdays lecture series sponsored by UI International Programs and the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization, which presents weekly discussions with individuals who have had international experiences. Refreshments will be served. For more information on the International Thursday lecture, contact Amy Green at (319) 335-1433 or amy-green-1@uiowa.edu.

Those unable to attend either program can catch the presentation on WSUI-AM, which will be broadcasting it on Wednesday, Oct. 26, following the noon news.

UI International Programs consists of a number of offices, centers, degree programs, academic programs, research projects and services. Organized under the associate provost and dean of International Programs, these units serve to further internationalize the campus and community and promote global scholarship, research and teaching.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500.

CONTACTS: Media: Lois Gray, 319-335-2026, lois-gray@uiowa.edu; Program: ICFRC: Tom Baldridge, 319-335-0351, thomas-baldridge@uiowa.edu; International Thursday: Amy Green, 319-335-1433, amy-green-1@uiowa.edu