Galle Lit Fest reveals full 2024 programme

The Galle Literary Festival, in partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), has unveiled its much-anticipated programme for 2024.

Featuring more than 180 talks, workshops and events, taking place from January25 to 28, the programme reflects the Festival’s renewed commitment to diversity and discussion.

Curated with care to celebrate a variety of voices, the programme spans a range of salient topics – from history and faith, to storytelling, the environment and cultural identity. It brings together a cast of celebrated speakers, including Booker Prize winners, decorated journalists, poets,  historians and a fleet of famous names in fiction.

“We’re hugely proud of the dynamic and diverse programme we’ve put together for January,” said Giselle Harding, Festival Director. “We’re covering a greater variety of topics than ever before, and with such an incredible line-up of talented speakers attending, we’re confident that there’s something for everyone in our schedule.”

A full calendar of events accompanies the talks. From literary lunches to sunset cocktails, the Festival’s social soirées offer the unique opportunity to mingle with authors in intimate settings. Highlights from the 2024 Galle Literary Festival programme include the following talks:

• The Changing Sri Lankan Literary Landscape Shehan Karunatilaka & Romesh Gunesekera,

 • Televised Retelling: History On Screen Mary Beard & Simon Schama

• The Girl From Aleppo: Writing Nujeen’s Story Christina Lamb & Nujeen Mustafa

• The Anatomy Of A Thriller Anthony Horowitz & Amanda Jayatissa

• On Community In Stories Amanthi Harris, Balli Jaswal & Alexander McCall Smith

• The Female Body In The Arts Mary Beard, Tishani Doshi & Fabienne Francotte

• The Rise Of Sri Lankan Cuisine Cynthia Shanmugalingam, Lahiru Perera & Tom Parker Bowles

Don’t miss the chance to join headliner Sebastian Faulks for Sunday lunch aboard Sail Lanka’s 27-metre yacht, hosted by guest chef Emily Dobbs of Weligama fame.

Entertainment also abounds down south. Besides a number of interactive workshops led by visiting speakers, an ensemble of performers will present choral recitals, poetry readings and drama productions. There’s also a Saturday-night stand-up set from rising Sri Lankan comedian, Vidura BR.

Event Tickets & Festival Passes are now available from galleliteraryfestival.com

Festival passes: Rs. 45,000 • Day Passes: Rs. 12,000 • Session Tickets: Rs. 3,000 Passes include access to all talks. Lunches, dinners and workshops are individually priced.