English with a Smile Book 2

English with a Smile by W. H. Samaranayake is one of Sri Lanka’s enduring English-language textbooks, reflecting a teaching philosophy that learning English can be both effective and enjoyable. Written specifically with Sri Lankan students in mind, the series has been used by generations of learners and teachers and continues to be available in three volumes. The strength of the series lies in its practical and comprehensive approach to language learning. Rather than concentrating exclusively on grammar rules, Samaranayake addresses a broad range of skills required to develop confident English usage. Grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary are explained in an accessible manner, while exercises and examples help students put these principles into practice. The books also cover essays, composition and other forms of written expression, making them useful both for classroom learning and independent study. A particularly important feature is the use of local texts and contexts, which makes the lessons more familiar and relevant to Sri Lankan learners. This approach reflects Samaranayake’s experience as an educationist and his long-standing commitment to English education in Sri Lanka. His contribution to English-language teaching extended beyond English with a Smile, with Practical English also becoming a widely used textbook. Today, English with a Smile stands as an important part of Sri Lanka’s educational publishing heritage—a practical, accessible and time-tested resource for developing grammar, vocabulary, writing and overall confidence in English.