Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival forges global ties

This collaboration with the Edinburgh International Book Festival forms a cornerstone of Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival's international outreach strategy

The Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is setting its sights on bold new directions following its participation in the  Momentum Programme at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Representing Sri Lanka’s literary landscape, festival Co-founder and director Fazeena Rajabdeen was invited as a delegate to join high-level discussions alongside international literary leaders.

The participation provided an invaluable platform for festival founders and directors to exchange ideas on best practices and the future of literary programming. The gathering focused on innovative approaches to curation, audience engagement, and the building of cross-cultural partnerships.

Fazeena’s participation was facilitated  by the British Council Sri Lanka, underscoring their commitment to supporting  cultural platforms in the country. Her presence at the Momentum Programme highlighted Ceylon Literary and Arts festival's vision of cultivating international networks and drawing from global best practices. “This collaborative platform brought together literary festival leaders from across the globe to explore innovative approaches to festivals and international partnerships,” she noted.

The knowledge-sharing opportunities extended far beyond discussions. With delegates representing diverse regions and cultural contexts, the programme highlighted how literary festivals can play a transformative role in shaping dialogue and creative exchange. “Our involvement as a delegate in the Edinburgh Book Festival’s Momentum Programme reflects Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival commitment to building international literary networks,” Fazeena added.

This collaboration with the Edinburgh International Book Festival forms a cornerstone of Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival's international outreach strategy. “We are actively building bridges that will expand international literary talent to Sri Lanka while showcasing our rich literary heritage to global audiences,” Fazeena affirmed. As Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival looks ahead, these global connections are expected to inform the festival’s evolution in Sri Lanka. Plans are already underway to expand programming to include cross-cultural collaborations with writers, artists, and thinkers from both local and international spheres. The festival aims to create a more immersive space for dialogue between literature and the arts, highlighting not only storytelling but also performance, visual expression, and digital innovation.

By embedding the insights gained through the Momentum Programme, and with the continued support of cultural partners like the British Council, Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is positioning itself as a vibrant platform that celebrates creativity while strengthening cultural ties across borders. This next phase promises to elevate Sri Lanka’s presence on the international literary map, creating new opportunities for both audiences and artists to engage in conversations that transcend geography.

The Ceylon Literary and Arts festival returns for its 3rd edition on February 13th to 15th 2026.