Sunday Times 2
Entries close with an overwhelming response
Entries for the Fairway National Literary Award 2015, the new literary award initiated by Fairway Holdings, closed on September 15 with a tremendous response being had from writers and publishers, a press release from the organisers said. A total of 89 entries were received.
Sinhala, Tamil and English novels published in 2014/15 are eligible for this prize. The award was launched followed by the partnership formed between Fairway Holdings and the Galle Literary Festival.The Fairway Galle Literary Festival (FGLF) will be held in three cities in order to reach a larger audience – from January 8-9 in Kandy, 14-17 in Galle and 23-24 in Jaffna.
The list of short-listed entries will be released by the end of November. Fairway Holdings Chairman, Hemaka de Alwis stated, “We are encouraged by the response we got from writers and publishers, considering it’s the first time we are initiating such a national level activity. Through the Fairway National Literary Award, we hope to recognise and reward Sri Lankan authors and encourage them to strive towards excellence.
“The award also complements the Galle Literary Festival, which we are very pleased to be associated with. A total of five publications from each language will be shortlisted for this award and the best novel comprising the most excellent and creative work from each language as chosen by the judges will be eligible for a cash award of Rs. 500,000. Each shortlisted book will receive Rs. 100,000. The award ceremony will be held in Galle, in January 2016 to coincide with the Galle Literary Festival.