The highly anticipated HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival is set to make its grand return from the 17th to the 19th of January, 2025, at the Colombo Public Library. This year also coincides with the historic centenary celebrations of the Colombo Public Library. Marking its second edition, this year’s festival expands its vision with an impressive lineup of over 50 distinguished authors, artists, and creative minds from around the world.

Curated by the renowned literary figure Mita Kapur, the three-day event promises a carefully crafted program featuring 32 diverse sessions that explore literature, art, film, and youth development. The lineup includes an impressive roster of international and local talent, featuring Pulitzer Prize winners, Gratiaen Prize recipients, and State Prize honorees. With its mix of workshops, panel discussions, and interactive activities, the festival creates a dynamic space for cultural exchange while celebrating storytelling in all its forms.

A strong focus on youth remains at the heart of the festival. The Future Writers Program, sponsored by Dilmah, offers aspiring writers aged 16 to 29 the chance to work with award-winning authors through hands-on workshops. Similarly, the Short Films Competition, curated by acclaimed filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara, invites young filmmakers to showcase their talent and explore storytelling through cinema.

The festival also highlights a rich variety of artistic expression. The Art Festival, developed in partnership with the John Keells Foundation and curated by Pramodha Weerasekera, explores the theme of "Semi-Autobiography" and presents works by 16 contemporary artists. For children aged 6 to 13, the Children’s Festival features engaging book readings and creative sessions with both local and international authors.

Ajai Vir Singh, Director of the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival, expressed his hopes for the event. “This festival is about creating a platform that celebrates Sri Lankan arts and culture while inviting the world to participate in the creative dialogue. We hope to inspire the next generation to explore creative industries and see the potential of Sri Lanka on a global stage,” he said.

HSBC continues as the festival’s title partner, reinforcing its commitment to fostering cultural innovation. Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka, highlighted the bank’s ambition to bridge local and global communities. “Our goal is to bring the best of the world to Sri Lanka and take the best of Sri Lanka to the world,” he said.

The festival also enjoys the support of prominent hospitality partners, Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Taj Samudra Colombo, who play a crucial role in elevating the event’s impact. Adding to the festival’s diverse appeal are its numerous collaborators, including the British Council, Goethe-Institut, Dilmah Ceylon, and Clouds by SOZO, Sri Lanka’s first premium mountain spring water brand. 

Free student passes, made available to young enthusiasts, align with the festival’s broader vision of empowering the next generation of creative minds. With just days to go, excitement is mounting for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, storytelling, and cultural exchange. The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival 2025 invites literature enthusiasts and aspiring artists to immerse themselves in an experience that not only celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich heritage but also builds connections with the global arts community. 

For more information and to book passes, visit www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com 

By Nimaya Nanayakkara