Life style

” Write Until You Feel Right ” : Savin Edirisinghe’s Katakata Wins the 32nd Gratiaen Prize

Published

3 weeks ago

2025/06/22

Savin with his parents

When 25-year-old Savin Edirisinghe stepped onto the stage to receive the 32nd Gratiaen Prize for his debut short story collection Katakata, he brought with him more than just a book. He brought an entire generation of young Sri Lankans who write in English yet dream in multiple languages, who navigate everyday life with a poet’s soul, and who find inspiration in the most unlikely places—buses, petticoats, whispered gossip, and quiet suffering.

For Edirisinghe, the win was not just personal triumph—it was, in many ways, a statement of cultural evolution. Speaking to The Sunday Island, he said:”If I can win the Gratiaen, anyone can,” he said with a smile that belied both humility and disbelief. “English is not my mother tongue. I didn’t grow up immersed in English literature. But I write in English because it’s one of the languages I feel most at home in.”

The Gratiaen Prize, Sri Lanka’s most prestigious literary award for writing in English, has over the years served as a springboard for some of the country’s most acclaimed voices. Yet this year’s winner represents something refreshingly new: a voice grounded in urban and semi-urban life, unapologetically local, but delivered with literary elegance and poetic flair.

The Power of Gossip and Story Telling

The title Katakata—a Sinhala word that loosely translates to “gossip” or “chatter”—was carefully chosen. “That was my marketing brain at work,” Edirisinghe smiles. “I work in advertising during the day, so I know how important a good title is. But it also fits the stories. These are tales stitched together from things I’ve overheard, stories shared in passing, or little dramatic moments I’ve imagined based on real people.”

Despite the gossipy premise, Katakata is not sensational. It is introspective and rich with emotional texture. “I think we gossip because we want to live, for a moment, inside someone else’s life,” he explains. “It’s a way to understand desire, frustration, dreams—everything we suppress in ourselves. Writing is like that too. It’s about living other people’s lives in a very intimate way.”

The characters in Katakata—while often surreal or absurd—are inspired by real individuals. Friends, acquaintances, strangers on public transport. “They won’t recognise themselves,” Edirisinghe insists. “They’ve been altered, reshaped, sometimes exaggerated. But they all began as someone real.”

The collection, sprinkled with magical realism and absurdism, explores themes of desire, repression, identity, and societal contradictions—particularly the unseen lives of Sri Lanka’s working and middle classes. What makes the work stand out is how Edirisinghe blends lyrical prose with earthy, grounded subject matter.

Savin

A Poet First, a Storyteller Always

Edirisinghe prefers to be called a poet. “I write more poetry than prose,” he says. “Even when I write fiction, the poetic rhythm sneaks in. That’s how I express myself best.”

His literary influences reflect this dual sensibility. “Oscar Wilde, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell, and of course Shakespeare,” he lists, adding Sri Lankan names with equal reverence: Mahagama Sekara, Yamuna Malini, and lyricist Rathna Sri. “I admire people who can take language and make it sing.”

His childhood, he recalls, was steeped in stories—thanks to his father, a dramatist, writer, and journalist. “To get me to sleep, he’d tell me two or three stories each night. And when he ran out of real stories, he made up new ones. I always knew which ones were made up—but I loved them even more.”

From those early beginnings came a young boy scribbling stories on A4 sheets, cutting and pasting images from magazines, and rewriting the endings of books he’d already read. That instinct to take the familiar and reshape it still defines his work today.

A Complicated Love Affair with Writing

“I have a toxic relationship with writing,” Edirisinghe says candidly. “But it’s filled with passion. It’s the only thing I know how to do.”

He compares his relationship with writing to Lionel Messi’s with football. “It’s like breathing for him. And for me, writing feels the same. If you took it away from me, I wouldn’t know who I was.”

Yet it’s not always easy. “Sometimes I want to write something so badly, but I just can’t get it right. That leads to frustration, even anxiety. But I keep at it. Because that’s what you do when you love something.”

His advice to young writers? “Write until you feel right. You may never feel completely satisfied—but in the process, you’ll create stories, poems, maybe even a script or a novel. Just keep writing.”

Writing What You Know

In his acceptance speech, Edirisinghe urged writers to write about what they know. “I can’t write about tulips or winter—I’ve never experienced them. But I can write about bus rides, petticoats, and the absurd things we encounter every day.”

That doesn’t mean he’s limited by reality. “Even sci-fi is believable when the emotions are true. You don’t need to live in space to write a compelling story. You just need to find a connection—something that makes the story feel alive.”

This is perhaps Katakata’s greatest strength: its ability to turn the mundane into the magical, to find poetry in the ordinary, and to reflect deep truths without sounding didactic or moralising.

Book that won acclaim

A Platform for the Youth

Edirisinghe credits the Future Writers Programme—a mentorship initiative—for helping him find his voice. “That was my first real exposure to the English literary scene in Sri Lanka. I met mentors like Professor Lal Medawattegedera and Ashok Ferrey. They gave me the courage to edit, to submit, and to believe I had something worth saying.”

He won the Future Writers Programme last year. This year, he took the Gratiaen Prize. “I think the Programme is a great stepping stone. It should be expanded and continued. If I hadn’t gone through that, I wouldn’t be here.”

For him, the Gratiaen win isn’t just validation—it’s an opportunity to open doors for others. “This award is often seen as something for Colombo elites. But now, people from outside the city—people who don’t even read in English—are talking about it.”

He recounts a call he received after the awards ceremony—from the man who used to read the electricity meter in his neighbourhood. “He found my number and called to say thank you for writing these stories. He said, ‘It’s refreshing to see someone like you win.’ That meant everything.”

Literature as a Soft Power

Beyond personal glory, Edirisinghe sees literature as a nation’s soft power—one that Sri Lanka must harness. “Look at what Shyam Selvadurai, Michael Ondaatje, and more recently Shehan Karunatilaka have done. Sri Lankan literature has global potential.”

He points to India’s thriving literary scene, and even Sri Lanka’s youth making waves on global platforms—from Anagi Perera at Miss World to Sri Lankans on the Forbes list. “We are showcasing the diversity of Sri Lanka—not just in identity, but in talent. Literature should be part of that.”

He dreams of a day when Sri Lankan literature—particularly English writing by locals—finds a global readership. “We have stories that the world needs to hear. But we need platforms, we need visibility, and we need writers who dare to write authentically.”

A New Chapter Begins

With Katakata, Savin Edirisinghe has opened more than a door for himself—he’s cracked open a window for a new kind of English literature in Sri Lanka: playful yet profound, deeply local yet accessible to all.

“I wanted to be different,” he says. “My father always said, ‘Be extraordinary among the extraordinary.’ That stuck with me. Even when I wish someone a happy birthday, I don’t just say it—I find a new way to say it.”

That same philosophy defines his writing: unexpected, lyrical, sincere. In Katakata, the mundane becomes magical, the gossip becomes gold, and every sentence pulses with life.

The award may have gone to one young writer, but the ripple effect could shape an entire literary landscape. “Now people who never imagined themselves submitting to the Gratiaen might just try,” he says. “That’s a win for all of us.”

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

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Fashion

Golden threads. bold dreams

Published

6 days ago

2025/07/6

Thilina Walpola

Dhananjaya Bandara’s fashion spectacle

nowned couturier Dhananjaya Bandara celebrated a major milestone – 25 years of remarkable years in bridal and fashion couture with a dazzling show at the Colombo Hilton. He also launched DB Ceylon, a tribute to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The swan logo depicted a mother and son in embrace symbolising his deep emotional attachment to his mother.

This event was not just a celebration, it was a cultural tribute woven into an evening of styles, elegance, heritage and innovation. This popular couturier journey continues to reflect the evolution of Sri Lankan bridal couture, and DB Ceylon marks an exciting chapter in our fashion calendar. Veteran Actor Sangeetha Weeraratne stole the spotlight wearing exquisite jewellery and a show stopping saree with minimalist lines and maximalist drama curated by Bandara.

The highlight of the evening was a prestigious line up of icons including Mrs. World Rosy Senanayake, Ramani Fernando, Sheereen Kumaratunga, Sujeeva Nelson, Apsara Tillekeratne and Carolyn Jurie all draped in Dhananjaya bridal couture. Hilton Colombo was transformed into a place of dreams showcasing heritage elegance and reinvention, choreographed by the legendary Lou Ching Wong with Hair and Makeup by Ramani Fernando.

The bridal ensembles busting with subtle details, fine beading, luxurious fabrics in soft pastel hues were the highlights to the evening. At every event on the ramp, Dhananjaya Bandara emphasized authenticity with innovation, retaining Sri Lankan bridal aesthetics, but adding a modern twist to the ensembles. This show was a landmark moment for bridal couture in Sri Lanka. The venue glowed in hues of ivory, rosé gold and pearl echoing muted opulence of the collection. From intricately beaded Kandyan sarees to bold and structured silhouettes in silks and lace whispered luxury and craftsmanship

The highlight of the show was the standing ovation from the audience. The show was not just a fashion event but it was stories of love, identity and art As the lights dimmed and the final notes of traditional drums faded. One thing was loud and clear “It was the beginning of DB Ceylon, a legacy, a brand born and proved that Sri Lankan fashion can be global, glamorous and grounded in its own traditions. Complementing the bridal splendour were the dazzling spectacle of Lovi Sarong. It wasn’t just any sarong; it was bold contemporary revival by Assanka de Mel. Lovi sarong, is a pioneering label known for giving the traditional wrap a new life.

Miss World Sri Lanka 2024 Audu Gunasekara took centre at the Darange bridal show. She walked in a DB Ceylon bridal ensemble adding a touch of pageant ready elegance to the cultural showcase. From the very first model to the final bow, the ballroom pulsed with admiration, respect and love gasps, cheers and even a few tears marked the star studded night – culminating in a standing ovation that honoured not just a designer but a designer who has shaped bridal fashions in Sri Lanka.

: Rosy sennayake with Dhananjaya Bandara

: When tradition meets theatre: Actor Rohan Ranawana with a modern Kandyan queen

: Gayathri-soft silk, intricate embroidery

: A vision in Ivory elegance reborn in every stitch

: A modern Kandyan Queen- walking into forever

Life style

Cultural bazaar of rhythm and colour

Published

6 days ago

2025/07/6

Thilina Walpola

Minister of Foreign Affairs with the Ambassador of Indonesia Devi Gustina and President Sri Lanka Indonesia Friendship Association Nihal Jayasuriya

Colombo celebrates Indonesia

The Indonesian Embassy in Colombo hosted the Indonesian Bazaar and Cultural Show at their Embassy grounds

On a balmy Colombo afternoon, the serene lawns of the Indonesian Embassy transformed into a living celebration of culture, colour and camaraderie. It was a vibrant celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and culinary delight too and this was held under the patronage of Indonesian Ambassador Devi Gustina Tobing. This event welcomed diplomats, cultural enthusiasts and many others for an immersive journey into Indonesia’s rich and diverse traditions and was organised in collaboration with Sri Lanka- Indonesian Friendship Association

For this event, the lush gardens of the Indonesian Embassy were transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, culture and culinary delights.

The evening began with a heartfelt speech by the Ambassador Devi Adorned in a stunning batik Kebaya, she welcomed the guests with a customary grace. In her speech she said “Indonesia festival and bazaar are an annual event in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Indonesian Friendship Association and proceeds of the bazaar would be donated to people of Sri Lanka who are in need.

The event also commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Asian-African conference which both Indonesia and Sri Lanka co-initiated in 1955 In her speech she also said “This colourful event was a showcase of the richness and diversity that Indonesia possesses. Today’s event is more than just a celebration – it is a relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka, two nations that share deep historical, cultural and maritime ties going back centuries. I would like to thank the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our partners who continue to support and celebrate this partnership.”

: Graceful movements

: Beautiful rendition of song ‘You Raise Me Up” in collaboration with Bright Light Band

: Special performances Indonesian traditional bamboo instruments

She also said this event is more than just a bazaar; it’s a celebration of Indonesia’s vibrant cultural tapestry expressed through traditional dance, music, food and handicrafts. It is also a testament to the enduring partnership between our two countries.

The Chief Guest, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Vijitha Herath said, “We are proud of this shared legacy and committed to strengthening it in every possible way. I thank the Indonesian Embassy for bringing an amazing experience to Colombo full of art, flavours and warm hospitality. He also said events like this reaffirm the enduring spirit of Bandung and the importance of regional unity. From sizzling satay skewers wafting over coconut shell embers to the fragrant Indonesian cuisine, the bazaar was a feast for the senses. This event is more than just a bazaar, it was a celebration of Indonesia’s vibrant cultural tapestry expressed through traditional dance, music, food and handicrafts. It is also a testament to the enduring partnership between our two countries. Tucked beneath shaded canopies fluttering in the breeze there were many vendors selling batik sarongs, food and other traditional jewellery,

: Vietnamese Ambassador Trinh Tam and husband

: Maldivian envoy Masood Imad and Ambassador of Russia Levan Dzhagaryan

: Ambassador for Cuba in Sri Lanka Andres Marcelo Gonzales with his wife

At the heart of the event was a spell binding showcase of Indonesian traditional dance performances, each dance reflected the ancient stories from the diverse islands of the archipelago.

The audiences were mesmerized by the different dance forms. With every beat and gesture, Indonesia’s cultural soul pulsed through the evening air.

The true highlight came when the audience took turns trying their hands at the bamboo percussion instruments, Angklung, creating a shared rhythm that echoed across the garden. There were many stalls offering Indonesian cuisine, crafts, textiles and wellness products. As twilight deepened the evening transitioned into an unforgettable cultural showcase. Traditional Indonesian dancers in resplendent costumes took centre stage.

The Indonesian Bazaar and cultural evening were more than an event – it was a journey across islands, a night of friendship, flavours and shared rhythm. For Colombo it was a magical step into the heart of Indonesia.

As the night came to a close, the message was clear, in diplomacy as in music, harmony matters most. But beyond this festive atmosphere, the event carried a powerful message; culture is a language of diplomacy, one that speaks to hearts across borders.

(Zanita) ✍️
Pics by Darmasena Welipitiya

Life style

“The Wedding Show 2025” this July – Your Dream Wedding Starts Here!

Published

6 days ago

2025/07/6

Thilina Walpola

New beginning and celebration

When it comes to dream destination, you don’t have to look beyond Colombo’s skyscape.

Blending colonial elegance seaside charm, lush tropical garden and five star glamour , Sri Lanka’s capital offers some of the most picture perfect backdrop for weddings, or honeymoon a unforgettable celebration.

Here’s Courtyard Mariott, Colombo’s most enchanting and luxurious dream destination offering its own flavour of romance, heritage and sophistication.

Engaged and ready to create your perfect day? This July, you’re invited to discover something truly special with The Courtyard by Marriott Colombo at The Wedding Show! Join us from July 11th to 13th at the BMICH, and let’s craft the celebration you’ve always envisioned said a press release.

The release said

“We’re here to make planning your wedding effortless and rewarding. Step into The Mariott stall to unlock incredible offers, including up to 50% off your dream wedding celebration when you choose us.”

Imagine exchanging your vows in a setting that flawlessly reflects your unique style, with every detail meticulously handled by our dedicated team. Our specialists will guide you through personalized packages, perfectly designed to fit your vision and budget. Plus, secure exclusive benefits with HNB, Nations Trust Bank, and Amana Bank said the release

The release also said, “This is your unique chance to find tailor-made solutions and ignite inspiration for your extraordinary day. We’re genuinely eager to help you turn your wedding aspirations into a beautiful reality.”

Your unforgettable journey begins here

Event Details:

Event:

The Wedding Show – It’s Your Wedding

Dates:

July 11th – 13th, 2025

Venue:

BMICH, Colombo

Find Us:

The Marriott Stall at B40, B46, B47