The five-day extravaganza of the Ceylon Literary Festival comes to an end today, leaving attendees with a bittersweet farewell as they reminisce on insightful discussions, captivating stories, and vibrant cultural experiences. As the closing chapter approaches, the festival’s impact resonates deeply, painting a vivid picture of Sri Lanka’s literary landscape and its unwavering spirit.

This year’s edition aimed to spotlight Sri Lankan culture and literature globally, showcasing the nation’s resilience and dynamism despite recent challenges. Beyond entertainment, the festival aimed to showcase Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape and literature on the global stage. A commendable focus on fostering young minds’ engagement with creativity was evident through dedicated children’s events and free student passes.

Today’s final day promises a diverse and engaging lineup catering to various literary interests.

Literary Delights:

* Rhyming within Reason: Poets Ronya Othman, Aminur Rahman, Ramya Chamalie Jirasinghe, and VivmarieVanderpoorten engage in a lyrical debate moderated by Megan Dakshini, exploring the supremacy of poetry over prose.

* Repeating History: Shrabani Basu, Christopher Kloeble, and Shyam Selvadurai navigate the delicate art of fictionalizing historical figures, guided by Sukanya Wignaraja.

* Goldfinger: Million-selling authors Anita Nair and Preethi Shenoy reveal their literary alchemy, moderated by Savithri Rodrigo.

* Be a Good Sport: Saskia Jain, Shehan Karunatilaka, and Stuart Cosgrove, alongside T P Tovenaar, delve into the intersection of sports and writing, exploring the need for personal experience and emotional investment.

* Will the last feminist turn out the lights when they leave?:Shobhaa De, Sonora Jha, and VV Ganeshananthan, moderated by George Cooke, embark on a thought-provoking discussion on the current state and future of feminism.

* Louis de Bernieres in Conversation: The acclaimed author discusses his career, Sri Lankan connections, and his latest book, “Light Over Liskeard,” with Shevanthie Goonesekera.

* The Empire Strikes Back: William Dalrymple, Shobhaa De, Anita Nair, and Palitha Kohona, moderated by Ganeshan Wignaraja, engage in a complex dialogue about Sri Lanka’s relationship with India.

Beyond the Panels:

* Creative Writing Workshop with Artika Aurora Bakshi: Children embark on a playful and imaginative journey of crafting their own stories.

* Songs of the Sufi: The Untold Story of Classical Qawwali: Immerse yourself in the captivating performance of this traditional art form.

* Movie Screening of Cassius X: Becoming Ali: Explore the transformative journey of Cassius Clay through this powerful film.

The Ceylon Literary Festival transcends a literary event, becoming a platform for cultural exchange, intellectual stimulation, and celebrating the transformative power of storytelling. While the curtains close, its impact endures, reminding us of the vibrancy of Sri Lankan literature and its ability to connect hearts and minds across borders. Whether you were a dedicated participant or a virtual follower, the festival’s legacy lives on, inspiring further exploration and dialogue long after the final applause.

By Pathum Punchihewa