In a celebration of literature, art, and culture, the inaugural day of the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival (CLF) is set to kick off tomorrow (Feb 08, 2024) at Trinity College Kandy. The Lit-fest, curated by celebrated author Ashok Ferrey, promises a vibrant tapestry of literature creativity, showcasing the essence of Sri Lankan literature and the most-sorted global giants in literature and art.

An impressive lineup of many predominantly international authors will grace the festival, engaging the audience in insightful conversations. Cleverly themed curated sessions will captivate attendees on contemporary topics and issues.

The inauguration day of CLF tomorrow will showcase star littérateurs like Shehan Karunatilaka (Booker Prize 2022), Anita Nair, Shrabani Basu, Carmel Miranda, David Hare, Prajwal Parajuly, Koluu, Tina Edward Gunawardana, Sonora Jha, V VGaneshananthan, Shyam Selvadurai, William Dalrymple, Louise Doughty, and Sonora Jha.

The festival aims to spotlight the Sri Lankan cultural landscape, Sri Lankan literature, and, in general, Sri Lanka internationally, portraying it as a dynamic and vibrant nation despite its recent challenges and hardships. Notable discussions and sessions on tomorrow’s inauguration of CLF include discussions on body image and its place in contemporary literature, murder mystery and mayhem as a genre.

With a focus on broadening youth exposure to creativity and literature, the festival will also feature a free-access dual-session Art walk conducted by Dr Avanthi Jayasinghe. The vision is to lay the foundation for future endeavours, expanding and enriching with each successive edition.

CLF will unfold in Kandy before moving to Colombo, attracting partnerships with HSBC, Mastercard, The British Council, Galle Face Hotel, Hotel Suisse Kandy, and more. These partnerships encapsulate a collective commitment to honour and foster culture and creativity in Sri Lanka, elevating the festival to a prominent platform for literary and artistic expression.

By Pathum Punchihewa