Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival 2025

By Rishini Weeraratne

This weekend, the island's cultural heart will beat a little faster as the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival 2025 takes centre stage. Held at the historic Main Hall of the Public Library in Colombo, the festival offers an eclectic mix of literature, art, and vibrant cultural experiences designed to ignite imaginations and foster meaningful conversations. Here's an in-depth preview of Saturday and Sunday, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the excitement.

Saturday, January 18th: A Day for Literary Explorations and Artistry

The day begins with a flourish at 9:30 AM with a captivating cultural performance by the senior dance troupe of Bishop's College, Colombo, presenting Blue Water Lily. This opening act sets the tone for a day dedicated to exploring diverse narratives and cultural dialogues.

At 10:30 AM, Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai will sit down with celebrated Sri Lankan writer Ashok Ferrey to delve into the theme ‘Where Worlds Collide.’ Expect a dynamic conversation as these two literary giants explore the intersections of culture, identity, and the written word.

The morning continues with historian Manu S. Pillai joining Josephine Quinn for Legends in Lace and Steel at 11:15 AM. This discussion promises to weave historical intrigue with tales of resilience, artistry, and power. Following this, Professor Liyanage Amarakeerthi will explore the nuances of language and identity in ‘Own Your Language’ at 12:00 PM, joined by translator and journalist Malinda Seneviratne.

The afternoon offers something for every literary enthusiast. Arati Kumar-Rao, an acclaimed National Geographic Explorer, will take the stage at 12:50 PM for ‘Wild Encounters: A Journey into Nature’s Heart.’ Her lens on environmental storytelling will leave you pondering the delicate balance between humanity and nature.

After a leisurely lunch, Naseeruddin Shah, India’s iconic actor, steps into the spotlight at 2:50 PM with ‘A Wednesday Every Decade.’ This session will see Shah in conversation with filmmaker Rehan Mudannayake, promising an evocative exploration of storytelling across mediums.

The evening line-up is packed with intellectually stimulating sessions. At 3:35 PM, historians Sujit Sivasundaram and Shamara Wettimuny, moderated by Manu S. Pillai, will discuss ‘Islanded and Connected: A Journey Through Sri Lanka's Past.’ This session promises to connect local histories to global narratives.

As the day winds down, audiences can revel in the poetic stylings of Suli Breaks, a renowned spoken-word artist, at 4:25 PM in ‘Louder Than Silence.’

Sunday, January 19th: A Celebration of Creative Horizons

Sunday’s festivities kick off at 9:30 AM with another cultural performance, Kalinga Narthanam, presented by Srinatyalakshana Kshetra. This performance will transport audiences to the classical traditions of dance and storytelling.

The literary stage welcomes Sophie Mackintosh, author of ‘The Water Cure,’ at 10:30 AM in conversation with Molly Roden Winter for ‘Many Loves, From the Greeks.’ Together, they will delve into themes of mythology and modernity.

At 11:15 AM, Jerry Pinto’s, ‘The Storyteller’s Palette’ invites audiences to explore the kaleidoscope of emotions and colours that fuel creative writing. Graeme Simsion, joined by Anne Buist, will then offer a lighter perspective on relationships in ‘Grins in the Gloom’ at 12:05 PM.

The afternoon features a mix of artistic and thought-provoking sessions. Judith Perera’s ‘Ghosts of Legacy’ (3:45 PM) delves into oral history’s role in preserving memory, while Neil MacGregor, former Director of the British Museum, will discuss ‘Museums, Memory, and Storytelling’ at 4:30 PM.

Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah will take the stage together at 5:15 PM for ‘A Suitable Recitation.’ This theatrical performance promises to be both entertaining and deeply resonant, blending humour and depth. Finally, the Festival’s closing address at 5:50 PM will reflect on the transformative power of stories and art.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Ajai Vir Singh, Co-Founder & Director, HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival stated, “The first edition of the festival, by God’s grace, was a resounding success, surpassing all our expectations. We drew on the experience of our other platforms, which proved invaluable in shaping this initiative. Building on the strong foundation of our inaugural edition, we are thrilled to present the second. As you can see, day one of the festival has already witnessed remarkable attendance and engagement. We have a stellar program lined up for today and tomorrow, showcasing the very best in Arts and Culture. The overarching vision of this festival is to serve as a dynamic platform for Literature, Art, Film, and Music. Our mandate extends beyond celebration; it is about enhancing Sri Lanka’s soft power and positively profiling the country on the global stage. A special emphasis is placed on youth engagement. We aim to inspire the next generation to explore opportunities in the creative industries and embark on their journeys as design-based entrepreneurs. By fostering a deeper connection with Arts and Culture, we hope to cultivate a vibrant, innovative future for Sri Lanka.”

Fazeena Rajabdeen, Co-Founder & Director, HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival stated, “Community engagement lies at the heart of our festival, with a special emphasis on youth involvement. This year, we’ve curated programs specifically for children, including international author events and creative workshops. Schools are also actively participating through unique performances that showcase young talent. Our fringe festivals bring fresh and exciting dimensions to the event. The art exhibition, curated by Pramodha Weerasekera, centres on the theme Semi-Autobiography, seamlessly blending literature with visual art. This exhibition highlights the work of sixteen talented young and emerging artists and reflects our commitment to nurturing creativity. We encourage everyone to visit the exhibit, open until Sunday, to experience these remarkable pieces. This initiative aligns with our vision and is proudly supported by the John Keells Foundation.

Additionally, our Film Festival, curated by the renowned Vimukthi Jayasundara, now features a Short Film Competition; a dynamic platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work. We’ve extended the submission deadline and warmly invite all budding creators to participate. We look forward to celebrating creativity and community with you!”

The Children’s and Art Festivals

Parallel to the main program, the Children’s Festival offers workshops and activities for young minds. Highlights include ‘Fairytale Mash-Up’ (Saturday, 10:00 AM) and ‘Andy Warhol on Tote Bags’ (Sunday, 10:00 AM). Meanwhile, the Art Festival’s ‘Semi-Autobiographical Art Exhibition’ runs throughout the weekend, offering a reflective journey through visual narratives.

The Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival 2025 is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of stories, culture, and connections. With a line-up featuring Pulitzer Prize winners, acclaimed artists, and thought leaders, this weekend promises to be unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to history, inspired by poetry, or curious about the intersections of art and activism, there’s something for everyone.