Business

‘GALLE CONCERTO 2024’: 6 Vibrant Festivals In Art, Food, Literature, and Music

Published

2 years ago

2024/01/6

Call for Extended Stays on SL’s South Coast

During the South Coast peak season of January through March of 2024, the ‘Galle Concerto’ series gives impetus to a symphony of heritage and contemporary festivals in art, food, literature, and music.

Leading Lankan and international culture makers will be headlining the events – speaking, presenting and creating on topics pertinent and inspiring to Sri Lanka & the global momentum in 2024.

The festivals are independently led, with the coming together of a ‘Concerto’ of events – organized to amplify the positive economic and touristic impact of cultural programming to host communities and the country – being conceived by President Wickremesinghe and supported by the Presidential Secretariat, SLTPB and SLTDA, and other ministries and local governmental bodies.

The full list of festivities, dates, and points for further information are listed below:

Rhythms of Paradise, 12 – 14 January ‘24, Koggala, @rhythmsofparadise & rhythmsofparadise.com

The concerto’s opening programme will highlight Sri Lanka’s rich cultural, maritime and natural heritage focusing on drums, dance, classical and contemporary Sri Lankan literature, and biodiversity programming.

The 3-day programme includes literary explorations, interactive interludes, cultural events, cinematic chronicles, workshops, excursions and exhibitions.The opening celebration and cultural events will be held at the Koggala Air Force Base and literary sessions will be held at the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum.

Gourmet Galle, 13 January – 30 March ‘24, Galle, @gourmetgalle & gourmetgalle.com

From January through March Gorumet Galle will curate exclusive dinners and masterclasses in exotic locations on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. Inspired by locally sourced ingredients, it is a celebration of Sri Lanka food and tourism. Star chefs from London, New York, Sydney, Singapore include: Darina Allen, O Tama Carey, Karan Gokani, Mark Hix, Peter Kuruwita, Jeremy Lee, James Lowe, Rishi Neleendra, Hari Nayak, Nisha Parmar, J Ryall, Cynthia Shanmugalingam, Mandy Yin.

Opera at the Anantara, 19 – 21 January ‘24, Tangalle, @anantaratangalle

Nestled amid the resplendent beauty of pristine beaches at Anantara Peace Haven, the forthcoming art and music weekend promises to curate an indelible ambience of refined creativity and immersive experiences.

This elevated occasion is poised to serve as a distinguished platform, harmonizing the expressions of local artists such as the Gustav Mahler orchestra and Chrisni Mendis, and international musicians such as Jorge Echeagaray, Barbara Segal, and Carlos Conde-González showcasing their artistry and virtuosity.

Southern Book Fair, 19 – 28 January ‘24, Galle, commonwealthpublishersnetwork.com

The inaugural Southern Book Fair marks a vibrant celebration of literature, expressing Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, nurturing the spirit of creativity and collaboration, and promoting innovation and accessibility.

Located in the heart of iconic Galle, the Southern Book Fair will offer a platform for publishers, editors, aspiring authors, and avid readers to develop new partnerships, fostering opportunities to celebrate our own rich, literary heritage, and introducing contemporary works from diverse voices around the world.

Galle Literary Festival, 25 – 28 January ‘24, Galle, @gallelitfest & galleliteraryfestival.com

This January the centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort will once again come alive with the buzz of literary chatter. Since its launch in 2007, the Galle Literary Festival has become one of South Asia’s most anticipated arts and culture events. A favourite among authors and attendees alike, the Festival hosts a wide variety of talks, workshops and exhibitions in an intimate, historic setting.

2024’s high profile line up, will see the likes of Booker Prize-winning authors, Shehan Karunatilake and DBC Pierre; decorated war correspondent, Christina Lamb, and novelists Alexander McCall Smith and Anthony Horowitz, alongside 65 participants, championing the work of writers and poets, as well as giving space to painters, photographers and cinematographers. Through associated culinary events, the Festival also highlights the excellence of local and international chefs.

Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA), 1 – 4 February ‘24, Matara, @MataraForArts

Matara Festival for the Arts is a coastal celebration of contemporary art & music from Sri Lanka and beyond, curated by leading contemporary artist Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe & music educator Dr. Sumudi Suraweera.

The Matara Fort, the University of Ruhuna, and the Matara River Park will host exhibitions, workshops & talks, a community market, and a film screening by leading artists, notable speakers in arts and culture, and over 30 local vendors & artisans. Evening parties & events extend from Hiriketiya, Madiha, to Mirissa.

Its Independence Day concert will feature 7 performers/bands – Amila Sanduruwan, Baliphonics, Orange Mango, Paloma, SDP ft. Paula, Rolex Rasathy, and The Soul,

The MFA’s programming partners include National Trust Sri Lanka, the George Keyt Foundation, and the Good Market.

Contact:
Public Relations Division
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
80, Galle Road, Colombo 03.
+94 112 426 900 sureshnie@srilanka.travel

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Business

IMF approves USD695 million for Sri Lanka

Published

13 hours ago

2026/05/31

Thilina Walpola

AFP –The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) board approved two reviews of Sri Lanka’s loan programme, making USD695 million in additional loans immediately available to the island nation.

It is the latest tranche in the country’s four-year USD3 billion bailout, with the Fund warning of further risks due to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict.

Surging oil prices due to the conflict have heavily impacted many import-dependent Asian countries.

“Sri Lanka’s strong implementation under the EFF arrangement has continued despite challenging circumstances,” said the IMF’s Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair Kenji Okamura.

“Gains from the economic reform programme helped preserve economic resilience and provided room to respond to cyclone Ditwah and the Middle East conflict. The latter, however, has significantly worsened Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and tilted risks to the downside.”

The IMF projects 2026 growth to slow to three per cent, with higher oil prices increasing inflation and weighing on the current account balance.

The board’s approval was contingent on Sri Lanka adjusting certain energy market subsidies issued in the wake of the conflict.

The statement said the Sri Lankan authorities had met the Fund’s requirements on fuel and electricity prices meeting cost-recovery criteria.

Criteria on ensuring no new external debts and on not imposing or intensifying import restrictions “were not observed”, however.

Business

Cambridge College honours students at awards ceremony

Published

13 hours ago

2026/05/31

Thilina Walpola

Guests with an award winner at the certificate and medal awarding ceremony Hindu Cultural Hall in Kandy

The Cambridge College of English Language Training recently held a certificate and medal awarding ceremony to recognize the academic achievements of students who successfully completed Cambridge English examinations.

The ceremony was held at the Hindu Cultural Hall in Kandy with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Prof. W.M.T. Madhujith, attending as the Chief Guest, while Kandy Mayor Chandrasiri Wijenayake participated as the Guest of Honour.

Founded on March 1, 2024, by English tutor, author and Cambridge TKT lecturer T. Ravichandran, the institution has emerged as a leading centre for Cambridge English examination preparation in Kandy.

Beginning with an initial intake of 30 students, the college has expanded rapidly and currently serves more than 300 students.

The institution’s achievements were further recognized when it received the “Emerging Star Award 2025” at the Annual Coordinators Conference 2025 (South Asia).

The college provides training for students between the ages of seven and 18 across six stages of Cambridge English examinations, including Young Learners English (YLE) Starters, Movers and Flyers, as well as KET, PET and FCE examinations.

Cambridge English qualifications are internationally recognized and are designed to assess language proficiency in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and medals to students in recognition of their academic performance and commitment.

Text and Pic by SK Samaranayake

Business

ABC Australia, Maharaja Media Network ink MoU to expand Indo-Pacific media collaboration

Published

13 hours ago

2026/05/31

Thilina Walpola

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC Australia) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sri Lanka’s Maharaja Media Network (MMN), marking a significant expansion of media cooperation aimed at strengthening content exchange, co-productions and professional collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.

The agreement builds on an initial broadcast partnership established in 2022 and an expanded licensing arrangement in 2023, under which ABC programming was made available free-to-air to Sri Lankan audiences through MTV Channel (Private) Limited, part of the Capital Maharaja Group.

Under the new framework, the two organisations will collaborate across television, radio and digital platforms, with a focus on co-produced content, editorial exchange, training opportunities and joint storytelling initiatives.

MMN, Sri Lanka’s largest media network, operates across television, radio, digital media, music and film, including MTV Channel (Private) Limited and MBC Networks (Private) Limited.

Australian High Commission officials described the agreement as a deepening of regional media ties. “This will cover co-production, content sharing and broader cooperation across the Asia-Pacific in telling stories that speak to both countries,” said Matthew Duckworth.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to public-interest media and stronger regional storytelling.

Capital Maharaja Group Director Chevaan Daniel said the relationship, which began during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022, had grown through continued collaboration, including during the 2025 Ditwah cyclone response.