The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is set to take place from the 17th to 19th January 2025 at the Colombo Public Library. This festival is a unique undertaking which showcases and celebrates the artistic and literary culture of Sri Lanka and is co-founded by Fazeena Rajabdeen and Ajai Vir Singh and curated by renowned Mita Kapur. This art and literature festival is held annually and features an alluring combination of a variety of arts including literature, dance, music, and even film. The festival has surpassed its inaugural success and to its credit now comprises bilingual sections comprising distinguished authors, and parallel activities all in the historic Colombo Library, which holds a hundred year anniversary this year.

This combined locational and international nature of the festival is well suited for its paradigm of promoting Sri Lanka’s soft power through culture and the arts. Its purpose according to the organizers is to nurture a new narrative for the Sri Lankan arts, one that inspires action and is relevant to people of all ages.

Ms Mita Kapur, Curator, HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival

• Can you share your journey into curating and producing literary and cultural festivals? What inspired you to take this path? My journey into curating and producing literary and cultural festivals began with a deep, abiding love for literature and culture. I’ve always been fascinated by the way stories have the power to connect people across time and space. Festivals provide a unique platform to celebrate this magic, bringing together voices from different parts of the world. What inspired me, truly, was the desire to create spaces where literature could breathe and grow, where writers and readers could share their thoughts and dreams, and where stories could be experienced in their fullest, most engaging form.

• Having worked in Bhutan, India, and now Sri Lanka, what common threads do you see in the way these regions celebrate literature and art? The beauty of these regions lies in the richness of their cultural heritage, and their art forms—whether literature, music, or dance—are deeply intertwined with their identities. Across Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka, there’s a profound respect for tradition, yet a willingness to embrace the modern world. The threads that bind these celebrations together are the warmth and hospitality with which artists and authors are welcomed, and the sense of community that these festivals foster. At their heart, they are about stories—stories that reflect the diversity, resilience, and beauty of the people in these regions.

• How do you think literary festivals contribute to cultural understanding and collaboration? Literary festivals offer an opportunity for dialogue between cultures. Through literature, we can explore the depths of human experience, and in doing so, we begin to understand one another on a deeper level. These festivals provide a space where boundaries are blurred, and ideas flow freely. They allow us to collaborate, learn from each other, and share insights that we may not have encountered otherwise. It’s in this exchange that true cultural understanding blossoms.

• Are there any exciting international authors or artists making their debut at the festival? Yes, we have the privilege of introducing a few international authors and artists to Sri Lanka for the very first time. They bring with them fresh perspectives and captivating narratives, and I am certain their work will resonate deeply with the audience. It’s always thrilling to witness these new voices contributing to the cultural landscape here.

• How do you go about selecting participants and ensuring diverse voices are represented? The selection process is always handled with great care. I look for voices that are not only compelling and thought-provoking but also reflect a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds. It’s crucial to maintain a balance between established names and emerging talents, ensuring the festival is rich in diversity—whether in gender, region, genre, or perspective. We make a conscious effort to feature both international and South Asian voices, each offering fresh, contemporary insights into relevant topics and societal issues. Ultimately, it’s about curating a vibrant, varied tapestry of voices that truly resonate with the audience.

• Will there be opportunities for audiences to interact directly with the authors and artists? Yes, one of the most rewarding aspects of literary festivals is the chance for audiences to engage directly with the creators. We’ll have plenty of interactive sessions and panel discussions where the audience can ask questions, share their thoughts, and connect with the authors and artists on a personal level. It’s this interaction that makes the experience truly special.

• What does it mean to you to be able to attend HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival? The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is a space where creativity truly comes alive, with brilliant minds coming together to share their work and ideas. For me, it’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate the rich literary heritage of Sri Lanka and contribute to the vibrant cultural dialogue in this beautiful region. It’s a chance to connect, engage, and be part of something truly meaningful.

• What can participants look forward to at their sessions? Participants can expect a range of enriching, thought-provoking, and dynamic sessions. From intimate author readings and discussions to deep dives into culture and history, there’s something for everyone. It’s about exploring ideas, sparking new thoughts, and sharing experiences. We’ve carefully curated sessions to ensure every participant leaves with something new to reflect on.

• How can the author's work empower Sri Lankan women? Literature and art have always been powerful tools for social change, and in Sri Lanka, many authors are using their work to shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of women. Through storytelling, these authors give voice to the experiences of women, highlight their strengths, and call for a more inclusive and equitable future. Their work not only empowers women but also sparks crucial conversations about gender, identity, and social justice.

Mr. Ajai Vir Singh, Co-Founder & Director, HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival

• What is your vision for the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival? How do you aim to make it unique in the global literary landscape? Our vision for the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is to create a vibrant platform that celebrates Arts and Culture with a strong focus on Literature, Art, Film, and Music. We aim to position Sri Lanka positively on the global stage, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage while enhancing its soft power. A key part of this vision is to engage and inspire the next generation. By involving youth in meaningful ways, we hope to spark their interest in the arts and open pathways for them to explore opportunities in creative industries. From nurturing design-based entrepreneurs to providing programs that encourage young talent, the festival is dedicated to building a thriving ecosystem for Arts and Culture in Sri Lanka.

●   What kind of global and local impression had the successful first edition left? How did it manifest through responses by foreign and local speakers you asked to come? The first edition by God's grace was a success, it exceeded our expectations. The international authors were surprised that it was only the first edition. We had brought in the experience of our other platform into this and that helped. On the foundation of the 1st, we want to build the 2nd edition. We are fortunate to have a title partner HSBC, who is aligned with our vision and they see synergy with theirs of bringing the best of the world to Sri Lanka and taking the best of Sri Lanka to the world. Our other main partners like Dilmah, John Keells Foundation, Cinnamon Grand, Taj,  Sozo, British Council, Goethe, and Wijeya group, have found relevant niches in this platform, and they add value to the vision.

●   What changes/ new additions from the first edition can visitors expect? The venue, Colombo Library, which is celebrating 100 years, has been upgraded to enhance the experience. The lineup is a step up from the first edition, the first edition was good, but this is even better. There is an expanded focus on Art and Films.

Ms. Fazeena Rajabdeen, Co-Founder & Director, HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival

• Could you give us a glimpse into this year’s highlights and what audiences can expect? Building on last year's remarkable success, this year's festival has expanded significantly. We've curated an exceptional lineup of award-winning authors, introduced a bilingual panel, and added exciting new dimensions to our fringe festivals. The historic Colombo Library, celebrating its centennial year, has been upgraded to enhance the visitor experience with air-conditioning and improved facilities.

• What is the central theme or focus of this year’s Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival? How does it resonate with the cultural and literary heritage of Sri Lanka? The central theme revolves around building Sri Lanka's soft power through arts and culture. We're creating a platform that showcases our country's vibrant cultural landscape while bringing the best of global perspectives to our shores. The festival resonates deeply with Sri Lanka's heritage through its intimate yet expansive quality. We've created a unique cultural dialogue that connects to the island's natural beauty, literary legacy, and deep ties to storytelling traditions, making it distinct from other international festivals.

• How does the festival integrate literature with other art forms, such as music, dance, and visual arts? Integration happens naturally through our carefully curated program. We have a special art exhibition themed 'Semi-Autobiography', in association with John Keehls Foundation that is curated by Pramodha Weerasekera featuring 16 emerging artists, a film festival with a short film competition curated by Vimukthi Jasasundara, and various performances that blend different artistic expressions.

• Can you tell us about any unique cultural experiences or performances planned for the event? One of our unique cultural experiences is how we've woven together different storytelling traditions. The festival includes school performances, bilingual panels, and sessions that blend varied cultural perspectives while staying true to Sri Lanka's cultural ethos. Additionally, we are excited to offer curated author dinners with our hospitality partner, Cinnamon Grand. These dinners are meticulously planned to provide an intimate setting where attendees can engage one-on-one with authors, gaining valuable insights, learning about best practices, and exploring their creative journeys in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. It’s a rare opportunity to connect deeply with the literary minds behind the works we celebrate.

• Will the festival feature workshops or interactive sessions? If so, who will be leading them, and what can attendees gain from these experiences? The festival features extensive interactive elements. The Children's Festival includes creative workshops and painting sessions, while young adults/ youth can participate in workshops led by renowned international and local authors with free entrance as well. Our Future Writers program, in partnership with Dilmah, offers mentorship and practical insights for aspiring writers.

• How does the festival engage with local communities and schools to promote a love for literature and the arts? Community engagement is at the heart of our festival, especially through youth involvement. We've created special programs for children, including international author events and creative workshops. Schools are actively involved through special performances, and we provide platforms for young artists and writers to showcase their talent.

• If someone were attending the festival for the first time, what would you recommend they not miss? For first-time attendees, I'd recommend not missing our literary sessions with award-winning authors, the curated art exhibitions, and the film festival. Every session offers something unique, but together they create a tapestry that reflects both our cultural heritage and our vision for the future. As our curator says, the entire festival is a piece de resistance.

Further information at www. ceylonliteraryfestival.com