The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival Returns with Expanded Vision.

By: Rishini Weeraratne

The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is set to return for its highly anticipated second edition, promising an even more expansive celebration of arts and culture in Sri Lanka. Taking place from January 17 to 19, the festival will once again be hosted at the historic Colombo Public Library, a venue that fittingly marks its 100th year in 2025. This year’s event is poised to be a landmark occasion, with thirty-two distinguished sessions featuring over fifty acclaimed authors and artists from around the world.

Under the expert curation of Mita Kapur, a celebrated literary figure, the festival’s program is designed to be an unparalleled platform for cultural exchange. Spanning literature, art, film, and youth development, the three-day festival aims to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Notable participants include Pulitzer Prize winners, Gratiaen Prize recipients, and State Prize honourees, ensuring a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives.

Ajai Vir Singh, Director of the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival, outlined the overarching vision of the event, emphasizing its role in fostering Sri Lanka’s cultural identity. “The overall vision of this festival is to be a platform for arts and culture, with a specific focus on literature, art, film, and music,” he stated. “This platform has a mandate to build and enhance the soft power of Sri Lanka, profiling the country positively among international audiences. Additionally, we place a special focus on youth throughout the festival, aiming to engage the next generation in arts and culture and to nurture their journeys as creative entrepreneurs.”

Mark Surgenor, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Sri Lanka, expressed the bank’s pride in supporting the festival. “Our ambition is to bring the ‘best of the world to Sri Lanka’ and to take the best of Sri Lanka to the world by encouraging dialogue and exchange with world-renowned authors and artists,” he said. “As the leading international bank in Sri Lanka, we are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to experience a world-class literary and arts festival in Colombo.”

The festival’s partnership with premier hospitality brands further underscores its commitment to excellence. Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President of Cinnamon Colombo Hotels and General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, highlighted the significance of the event. “This festival is a celebration of our rich culture and heritage. As a homegrown brand, Cinnamon is incredibly proud to support such an important occasion,” he remarked. Similarly, Samrat Datta, Area Director of Taj Maldives & Sri Lanka and General Manager of Taj Samudra, Colombo, noted that the collaboration reflects Taj’s commitment to nurturing creativity and intellectual exchange.

The festival’s program is thoughtfully divided into four key segments, each designed to enrich Sri Lanka’s creative landscape:

1. The Art Festival: Curated by Pramodha Weerasekera in association with the John Keells Foundation, this segment explores the theme of ‘Semi-Autobiography,’ blending literature with visual art. Featuring works by over 16 artists, the exhibit serves as a dynamic showcase of contemporary expression.
2. Future Writers Program: Presented by Dilmah, this initiative nurtures aspiring writers aged 16-29. Building on last year’s success, this year’s program includes workshops led by award-winning authors on January 18. The program aligns with the festival’s vision of fostering a vibrant community of young creatives.
3. The Children’s Festival: Designed for young minds aged 6-13, this segment features interactive book readings and creative sessions conducted by local and international authors, inspiring the next generation of readers and writers.
4. The Film Festival: Curated by acclaimed filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara, this segment celebrates film as a powerful storytelling medium. A highlight is the Short Films Competition, which empowers young filmmakers to present their unique visions.

With just days to go, excitement is reaching a crescendo. The festival’s meticulously curated program promises to inspire, engage, and captivate audiences. From thought-provoking panel discussions to immersive workshops, every session is an opportunity to explore and celebrate the richness of Sri Lankan culture and global artistry.

As the Colombo Public Library’s centenary provides a poignant backdrop, the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival stands as a beacon of creativity and collaboration. To explore the full program and book your passes, visit: www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through literature, art, and culture this January, as Sri Lanka’s premier literary and arts festival once again places the nation on the global cultural map.