By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 

Catrina Liyanage, a law and forensic science student, has stepped into the literary world with the release of her first book of poetry, Two Worlds Apart. The collection of forty poems explores themes of love, heartbreak, loss, and healing, blending personal reflection with universal emotion.

Though rooted in an academic background often associated with logic and analysis, Liyanage has long nurtured a passion for poetry. Her debut brings together years of writing—much of it inspired during her time in London attending spoken word poetry nights—into a cohesive body of work that speaks to resilience and rediscovery. With its honest voice and heartfelt rhythm, Two Worlds Apart offers readers both intimacy and relatability, capturing the ache of letting go and the strength found in moving forward.

1-What inspired you to write Two Worlds Apart, and why did you feel now was the right time to release your debut poetry collection? 
Growing up, I always had a passion for writing and reading poetry. Over time, it became a part of me, especially while I was living in London. I often attended spoken word poetry nights hosted by the local community, and those experiences pushed me to keep writing and sharing my voice. Coming back home, I finally had the time and courage to put my work together, and that’s how Two Worlds Apart came to life. 

 2-Your background is in law and the forensic fields, often associated with logic and analysis. How do you balance that with the emotional vulnerability and creativity required for poetry?
 It’s a task, but law and forensic sharpen my mind and keep my perspective logical, while poetry frees my heart and lets me feel. 

3-Love, heartbreak, loss, and healing are central themes in your book. Were these poems drawn from personal experiences, or do they reflect more of an observational perspective?
 The pieces of poetry in Two Worlds Apart are a twist of both personal experiences and observation. While most of my writing does come from my own journey through love, loss and healing, I also draw inspiration from the emotions and experiences I see in others. 

4-The collection consists of forty poems. How did you decide which pieces made it into the book, and was there a unifying thread that guided your selection? 
There were so many I had written throughout the years, that I had to pick carefully from. I wanted my book to tell a story that spoke to one another, but also ones that stood strongly on their own. I wanted the readers to feel like a conversation, moving the reader through different stages of experience while still holding together as one cohesive collection. 

5-You describe your work as both intimate and relatable. How do you strike that balance between deeply personal storytelling and universal emotion?
 I believe the balance comes from understanding that emotions are universal. While my poems are drawn from personal experiences, I intentionally leave room for readers to see themselves in the words, so that the feelings can resonate with anyone who reads them. 

6- It is said that many readers turn to poetry during times of transition or pain. What do you hope readers will take away from your words when they are going through their own struggles? 
I hope that as readers turn the pages of Two Worlds Apart, they feel that they are not alone. Love can bring pain, but it is still beautiful, and I hope the poems reflect that truth. I want readers to connect with the words, find comfort in them, and realise that, just like movies or songs, poetry can be something they relate to, embrace, and even inspire them to express their own emotions through writing. 

7- As a young poet publishing your debut collection, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in bringing this book to life? 
The biggest challenge was transitioning back home and settling in while trying to focus on my writing, all while balancing my studies and other commitments. Another challenge was mentally preparing to share something so personal, my feelings, my poetry, with the world, which I never imagined I would do. Lastly, learning the ins and outs of publishing a book, from formatting to the artwork, and making sure everything turned out exactly as I envisioned, was a steep learning curve. Despite the challenges, the journey has been truly transformative. 

8- Do you see poetry as a form of healing, for both the writer and the reader? If so, how has writing Two Worlds Apart shaped your own journey of resilience?
Absolutely. Writing Two Worlds Apart allowed me to sit with my feelings and accept them, which in itself became a form of healing. Poetry gives space to understand your emotions, to process them, and ultimately to move forward. I hope readers find the same comfort and insight in these poems; a chance to reflect, connect, and heal, just as I have. 

9- Your writing has been described as having a “heartfelt rhythm.” Do you experiment with form and structure, or is your style more instinctive and free-flowing?
My style is more instinctive and free-flowing; I let my emotions spill onto the page. At the same time, at the same time, I pay careful attention to form and structure, so each poem reaches its full impact and resonates with readers. 

10- Looking ahead, do you see yourself continuing to explore poetry, or are you interested in branching out into other genres of writing as well?
I definitely plan to continue exploring different aspects of poetry, but at the same time, I’m also working towards branching out into another genre.