Book lovers in Sri Lanka are preparing to write a new chapter in its cultural history with the launch of the country’s first-ever Colombo Literary Festival, an ambitious six-day celebration of books, ideas, history, cinema and creative dialogue that organisers believe will, eventually, stand alongside some of the world’s most respected literary festivals.

From July 24 to 29, the historic Arcade Independence Square will transform into a vibrant meeting place for readers, writers, publishers, scholars and artists as the inaugural festival welcomes 180 authors, academics and literary personalities, 60 panel discussions, 25 new book launches, six masterclasses for writers, children’s programmes, poetry readings, cultural performances and an international film festival, inspired by classic literary works.

Addressing the media at the official launch, at the Arcade, Independence Square, in Colombo, Festival Director Pradeep Samaranayake described literature as one of humanity’s greatest instruments for preserving history, challenging conventions and connecting societies across cultural boundaries.

“Our vision, from the beginning, was to create a literary festival that truly belongs to Sri Lanka. We wanted it to be accessible, affordable and inclusive so that every reader, every aspiring writer, every student, every teacher and every lover of literature feels welcome.”

Unlike many international literary festivals where access can be expensive, organisers have deliberately designed the Colombo Literary Festival to be open to a wider audience while celebrating Sinhala, Tamil and English literature on one common platform.

“We believe these literary traditions deserve to meet each other rather than exist separately. This festival celebrates Sri Lankan literature in all its diversity, while opening our doors to distinguished voices from around the world,” Samaranayake said.

One of the biggest attractions will be the participation of internationally-acclaimed Indian parliamentarian, diplomat and bestselling author Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who will headline the opening ceremony before appearing in two exclusive public discussions during his visit to Sri Lanka.

The festival will also feature internationally recognised writers from India, Bangladesh, Türkiye and several other countries, alongside many of Sri Lanka’s leading novelists, historians, poets, journalists and academics.

Festival Chairman Janaka Inimankada said the inaugural event would be unprecedented in scale.

“We have 180 authors and writers and academics taking part in the festival in all three languages. We have 40 moderators, 60 panel discussions, 25 new book launches, activities for children and six workshops for writers.”

He noted that the festival would also host a unique international film festival, showcasing celebrated literary works adapted for the cinema.

The film programme, to be held at the Goethe-Institut, includes award-winning productions from Germany, France, Bangladesh, India, Türkiye and Sri Lanka, highlighting how literature continues to inspire filmmakers across the globe. Screenings include Transit, The Fourth Wall, Kodai Irul, Lalsalu, Dictionary, Soldadu Unnehe and Orson Welles’ classic adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Trial.

A key objective of the organisers is to distinguish the Colombo Literary Festival from a conventional book exhibition.

Explaining the concept, Amendra Gunawardana Haputhanthri, Director of Sarasavi Publishers and Sarasavi Bookshop, said visitors would encounter a carefully curated literary experience.

“In a literary festival we only bring books written by authors participating in the panel discussions. That is the biggest difference between a literary festival and an ordinary book fair. Readers will have the opportunity to meet the writers whose books they are purchasing.”

To encourage reading, organisers have announced a 15 percent discount on imported books and a 20 percent discount on locally published titles available during the festival.

However, Haputhanthri expressed concern that taxation continues to make books increasingly expensive.

“As publishers and booksellers, we want as many people as possible to read books.

“Unfortunately, the introduction of VAT has significantly increased book prices. We have continuously appealed to the Government because our objective is to make reading affordable.”

Responding to questions from The Island, Samaranayake confirmed that discussions with the Government, regarding VAT relief, remain ongoing.

“We have approached the authorities and our concerns have even been raised in Parliament. We are still awaiting a response.”

He also observed that technological change has transformed reading patterns worldwide.

“Higher education has increasingly shifted towards digital resources and e-books, but readers continue to purchase general literature. Reading habits are changing globally, and publishers must adapt accordingly.”

Haputhanthri stressed that literature remains one of society’s strongest unifying forces.

“The most beautiful thing about this festival is that it brings together Sri Lanka’s diversity. Literature provides a common platform where people of every race, religion and language can meet, exchange ideas and celebrate creativity.”

Festival Curator Anoma Rajakaruna said the programme had been designed to appeal to every generation.

“There are 25 new book launches and programmes for children, youth and adults in all three languages. We also have a special session marking the 50th anniversary of Martin Wickramasinghe’s passing.”

She invited the media to make full use of the festival’s extensive line-up of authors.

“If you wish to interview any of the visiting writers, or participating authors, please let us know in advance. We will be happy to arrange meetings and facilitate interviews.”

The festival will also feature discussions on history, politics, archaeology, science, translation, journalism, architecture, cinema, Buddhism, women’s writing, publishing, South Asian affairs and environmental storytelling, reflecting the broad intellectual landscape of contemporary literature.

Ticket prices have been kept affordable, with daily admission costing Rs. 250 and a six-day pass priced at Rs. 1,200. Students will enjoy free access to panel discussions, while masterclasses will cost Rs. 1,000. The special sessions, featuring Dr. Shashi Tharoor, will be separately ticketed at Rs. 3,500 because of anticipated demand.

Looking beyond the inaugural edition, Samaranayake said organisers envision the festival becoming a permanent fixture on Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar.

“Our aspiration extends beyond organising a successful first festival. We want the Colombo Literary Festival to become an annual event that attracts international literary talent, supports Sri Lanka’s publishing industry and strengthens Colombo’s reputation as a regional cultural destination.”

He said the organisers also plan year-round outreach programmes in partnership with the Colombo Municipal Council and the Colombo Public Library, taking books, storytelling, writing workshops and author visits to underprivileged children across the country.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover the transformative power of books. If this festival inspires even one child to dream bigger, think more deeply or discover a voice they never knew they had, then we have achieved something truly meaningful.”

Organisers expect between 45,000 and 50,000 visitors during the six-day event, making it one of the largest literary gatherings ever staged in Sri Lanka.

By Ifham Nizam