The Gratiaen Trust, in partnership with John Keells Foundation, and supported by the British Council, yesterday announced the longlist for the 33rd annual Gratiaen Prize, Sri Lanka’s most prestigious literary accolade for creative writing in English. This announcement marks the first milestone in this year’s prize cycle, continuing a legacy of recognising and nurturing outstanding literary talent across the country.

The 2026 invitation for applications for the Prize received a record number of entries, showcasing a broad mix of voices, styles, and perspectives in contemporary Sri Lankan writing. From this group, the judges have chosen 12 works for the longlist.

The longlisted authors for the 33rd Gratiaen Prize are:

@#$%!Daham – Aneesha Ansar

Chameleon Silva – Keith Jayasekera

Dear Father: The Refugee – Alan de Costa

Divergent Among my Neurons – Gaveen Prabhasara

Gallivanting – Ciara Mandulee Mendis

God, Bangles and a Constitution – Anuththara Ekeli

In the Curve of the Smile – Uvini Atukorala

Reading Palms: A collection of poems – Oshanthaka Cabraal

The Department of Chosen Ones – Thisuri Wanniarachchi

The Son and the Lover- Visakesa Chandrasekaram

Time is a Paper Crane and Other Stories – Eshana Ranasinghe

To Hear You Breathe – Sajla Anees

 The Gratiaen Prize, Sri Lanka’s leading English literary award, celebrates original and unpublished works that show literary quality, creativity, and depth. Eligible submissions include original fiction, poetry, drama, or creative prose by Sri Lankan citizens or residents. Manuscripts must not have been published before in print or online. This longlist highlights the growing diversity of Sri Lankan writing in English, with authors exploring many themes, identities, and experiences.

This year’s judging panel combines creative, academic, and editorial expertise. It is chaired by V. V. Ganeshananthan, an award-winning author whose novel, Brotherless Night, won the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction, the 2024 Carol Shields Prize, and the 2023 Asian Prize. She is joined by Dinidu Karunanayake, Assistant Professor of English at Elon University, specialising in postcolonial and diasporic literature, and Azara Jaleel, Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine, whose work with Sri Lanka’s modern and contemporary art scene offers a well-informed reader’s perspective.

The longlist announcement marks the start of the 2026 prize season, with the shortlist coming in the next few weeks. The shortlist will be revealed on 4th May 2026 at the British Council, and the final winner announced on 6th June 2026. The Gratiaen Trust continues its long partnership with John Keells Foundation, the CSR entity of the John Keells Group, whose commitment to empowering a healthy and inclusive society is reflected in its efforts to promote social cohesion through the creative industries. The British Council also continues to back the Trust’s work in promoting international literary exchange and dialogue.

Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Chairperson of The Gratiaen Trust, congratulated the longlisted authors, saying, “This year’s longlist shows how English creative writing in Sri Lanka continues to grow. We are inspired by the variety of voices and the richness of the stories, with writers sharing narratives that are both personal and wide-ranging. The Gratiaen Prize is dedicated to giving these voices a platform to be recognised and celebrated.”

V. V. Ganeshananthan, chair of the judging panel, said, “It’s been an honour to discuss this year’s submissions. The longlisted works demonstrate ambitious scope, startling intimacy, global perspectives, and strong, diverse voices. We are excited to showcase this powerful literature for readers in Sri Lanka and around the world.”

A Chinese Language Training Centre was inaugurated in Managala, Akurana, with the participation of Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, who reaffirmed China’s continued support to Sri Lanka during times of crisis.

Addressing the gathering, following the inauguration ceremony, the Ambassador stated that China has consistently extended assistance to Sri Lanka whenever the country has faced difficulties.

“Relations between Sri Lanka and China date back to ancient times. China remains a true friend of Sri Lanka and is always among the first to come forward in times of need,” he said.

The centre was established under the guidance of Ven Paranagama Gnanawimala, Chief Incumbent of the Managala Purana Vihara and Director of the Sri Lanka–China Buddhist Cultural Interpretation Centre, with sponsorship from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.

Highlighting recent cooperation, Ambassador Qi noted that China had extended support to Sri Lanka amid ongoing global challenges, including the provision of fuel during the economic crisis and assistance in the aftermath of the recent Ditwah cyclone.

He further observed that China continues to make progress across multiple sectors under its current leadership.Among those present at the event were Ven Gnanissara Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Dunuwila Rajamaha Vihara, and Akurana Divisional Secretary Ruwanthika Hennayake.

Text and Pic By S.K. Samaranayake

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 17 April 2026, valid for 18 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.