The Ceylon Literary Festival (CLF) will continue to weave its magic in Colombo, captivating audiences with a vibrant tapestry of literature, art, and culture. The fourth day of the festival, the second day in the heart of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, promises another exciting array of events featuring renowned authors, insightful discussions, and engaging workshops for connoisseurs of all ages.

Literary Conversations:

* Sleepless Nights Solved: Giles Watkins, the “Guru of Sleep,” guides you towards restful nights in his session “Zzz . . .” hosted by Mrinali Thalgodapitiya.

* Finding Home Amidst Upheaval: Ronya Othman, AmanthiHarris, and VV Ganeshananthan, moderated by author-in-exile Marguerite Richards, delve into the complexities of leaving home and its influence on their literature in “But Where Exactly is Home?”

* Playwright Prodigy: Acclaimed playwright David Hare delves into his life and work in conversation with Professor Neluka Silva.

* Humor on Trial: Prajwal Parajuly, Louise Doughty, and Sonora Jha tackle the delicate balance between political correctness and humour in “Woke Me Up, Before You Go-Go,” moderated by T P Tovenaar.

* Detective Muses: Anita Nair, Shrabani Basu, and Carmel Miranda conspire with Chhimi Tenduf-la in “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detectives,” crafting their next literary crime scene.

* AI and the Author’s End?: Louis de Bernieres, Lal Medawattegedara, Preeti Shenoy, and Yudhanjaya Wijeratne ponder the future of writers in “Help! AI chewed up my manuscript!”

* History Unveiled: William Dalrymple, the maestro of historical narratives, engages in conversation with Ashok Ferrey, sharing his captivating journey.

Artistic Expression:

* Nicole Farhi’s Masterclass: Renowned fashion designer Nicole Farhi guides aspiring artists through her creative odyssey in “Sculpting Stories.”

Children’s Corner:

* Exciting workshops allow young minds to explore storytelling, block printing, environmental awareness, and vocal training.

Finally, beyond the written words:

*  Motown Memories: Stuart Cosgrove, the voice of Scotland’s radio scene, takes you on a musical trip through the 70s with “The Magic of Motown.”

As the sun rises on the fourth day of the Ceylon Literary Festival, attendees will experience a sense of enrichment and inspiration. The festival’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange continued to shine brightly in the heart of Colombo.

By Pathum Punchihewa