Demons, self journeys and shared histories
The judges (at right) with Ashok Ferrey and Grace Wickremasinghe and (inset) Chammi Rajapathirana
As one of the Gratiaen trustees remarked at the shortlist for the Gratiaen Prize, it seemed poetically apt to have an event which celebrated books while surrounded by books. For the past two decades the British Council has hosted the shortlist announcement for the Gratiaen Prize in its premises and last Monday, writers and readers gathered at the British Council Library to hear the 2015 shortlist.
The shortlisted works for the Gratiaen Prize 2015 were Thiyagaraja Arasanayagam’s‘White Lanterns – Vesak 2011’, Ashok Ferrey’s ‘Ceaseless Chatter of Demons’, Shehan Karunatilaka’s ‘Devil Dance’, Chammi Rajapathirana’s ‘Traveller’s Tales’ and Grace Wickremasinghe’s‘Closure’. With the exception of Chammi Rajapathirana’s ‘Traveller’s Tales’, the rest of the shortlist were unpublished manuscripts.
The 2015 edition of the Gratiaen Prize comes under a new partnership between the Gratiaen Trust and Sarasavi Bookshop. In keeping with the tradition of previous years, this year’s judging panel consisted of an informed reader, academic and writer to vet this year’s submissions. Captain Elmo Jayawardena (Chair of the Panel), is a former pilot, aviation trainer, award winning author and humanitarian worker. Tracy Holsinger is a theatre practitioner,creative writer and lecturer in drama and speech. Dr.Dinali Devendra is a senior lecturer and former head of the Language Studies Department, Open University of Sri Lanka.
Before the shortlist was announced, Capt. Elmo Jayawardene invited the audience to reflect on the relevance of literary prizes in Sri Lanka, observing that prizes ensure the continuity of local writing and the afterlife of Sri Lankan books. He also brought the humour quotient for the evening by regaling the audience with anecdotes behind the scenes as well as the times and travails of a critical judging panel, attempting to sift through the 54 entries submitted for the prize.
Thiyagaraja Arasanayagam’s ‘White Lanterns: Vesak 2011’ was commended for its masterful use of free verse, seamless inclusion of the vernacular into lines of continuous thought that interplay with a variation of rhythm and pace. The judges pointed out that the collection of unpublished poems reads like a requiem for an island and is steeped in nostalgia and heartbreak. “Tender at its core, ‘White Lanterns: Vesak 2011’ speaks of regret, of rage, of fear, of shame, of impunity with a simplicity that belies the skill with which the poet has crafted these testaments to some of the darkest moments in our recent, shared history” they remarked.
Well known author Ashok Ferrey’s ‘The Ceaseless Chatter of Demons’ was praised for captivating the readers with its creation of a comic universe of memorable characters and supernatural beings, sparkling humour and wit as well as an eye for detail. “Underlying the humour is a critique of social convention and subtle intimations of the potential for evil that is prevalent in us all” notes the Judges’ citation.
No stranger to the Gratiaen, Shehan Karunatilaka’s novel ‘Devil Dance’ reminded the judges of Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’ and was highlighted for its distinctive writing style, wordplay and creativity of expression. The judges pointed out that “The theme is unusual and fresh, complicated and un-complicated; appreciation dawns when the reader begins to interpret the validities of the writer’s intentions.” 
The judges lauded Chammi Rajapathirana’s poignant memoir of dealing with Autism for its lyrical and emotionally resonant authorial voice. “This book [Traveller’s Tales] is a moving portrayal of the challenges of dealing with Autism and the transformative journey of finding a voice and defining your identity. This memoir is unique for its skilful interweaving of poetry and prose,” they concluded.
The youngest on this year’s shortlist, Grace Wickremesinghe’s collection of prose and poetry was recognized for unashamedly wearing its heart on its sleeve with its frank confessions, candour and explorations of a plethora of issues from weight, relationships to the fallout of intimacy. “By turns funny, rude, brashly self-indulgent and quietly reflective, this collection of poetry and prose flows well from fresh hurt to closure, from self-doubt to self-affirmation.What is undeniably commendable is the author’s very real desire to send a message of hope and courage, which is like a clarion call in the blunt lines of her observations,” commented the judges.
Of the writers shortlisted, Ashok Ferrey, Chammi Rajapathirana and Grace Wickremasinghe were present at the announcement.
The winner of the Gratiaen Prize 2015 will be announced on May 14, 2016. (A.I.)