For the first time ever, the Fairway Galle Literary Festival (FGLF) is excited to announce a FREE Sinhala Day programme at the 2017 Festival. 

The all-day Sinhala Programme will feature some of Sri Lanka’s most thought-provoking and creative poets, short story writers, novelists and critics in engaging discussions, debates and readings. 

The Sinhala Day will begin with a panel discussion by Malathie Kalpana Ambrose, Isuru Chamara and Sundanda Karunaratna on ‘Poetry of the Next Generation’. The panel introduces three of the best young generation poets who have each published at least two collections of poems. Together they will dive into themes and styles of modern age Sinhala poetry. 

Next, a thought provoking conversation with Sepali Mayadunne and Sunethra Rajakarunanayake on ‘The Woman’s Novel in Sinhala’. Sepali Mayadunne was the winner of the 2015 Fairway National Literary Award in Sinhala language for her novel ‘Mahasami’ and is an author who has received multiple awards over the years since her debut in 1995. Sunethra Rajakarunanayake is the recipient of a number of awards including the State Literary Award in 1999, 2000, 2008 and 2011. She is an author, translator and tele-script writer.  Together, the two reputed authors will talk about women novelists writing in Sinhala and discuss their novels and inspirations. 

Following this discussion, the ‘Fairway Celebration of Sri Lanka Series’ will take place featuring the Fairway National Literary Award Sinhala Shortlist authors such as Liyanage Amarakeerthi, Eric Illayapparachchi, Kapila Kumara Kalinga, Tennyson Perera and Saman Wickramaarachchi on a riveting panel discussion  about their short listed work, the art of writing and the political and social issues reflected in their work. 

Later, join Prabhath Jayasinghe and Piyaseeli Wijemanna as they tackle the ‘Thematic Approaches in Contemporary Sinhala Short Stories’. The duo will discuss how writers explore a range of sensitive issues such as sexual violence, urbanization, social disparity experienced in Sri Lankan society in their novels. 

Finally, the day will wrap up with Shehan Karunatilaka and Dileepa Abeysekera on translating the internationally acclaimed ‘Chinaman’. Join them as they take you through the delightful intracacies of translating a Sri Lankan book about everyday Sri Lanka and it’s obsession with cricket! 

Featuring some of Sri Lanka’s most critically acclaimed multi award-winning Sinhala authors, attendees are assured a day well spent as authors discuss social and political changes in the country and the many forms of writing and styles. 

Taking place on Saturday, January 14, 2017, from 9:30AM to 4:00PM, the FGLF Sinhala Day is an event not to be missed for all lovers of Sinhala literature. 

The all-day Sinhala Programme is a FREE event. For information visit www.galleliteraryfestival.com. 

Visit the website for more information about the FGLF 2017 festival and other programmes. Box office is now opened for the Festival. Contact the Colombo box office on 0717 040011, or the Galle box office on 0717020011. Tickets are also available online at www.mydeal.lk.