Galle Literary Festival returns in 2024 with star-studded line-up

Booker Prize-winning authors Shehan Karunatilake and DBC Pierre; decorated war correspondent Christina Lamb together with Nujeen Mustafa, co-author and subject of her award-winning book, The Girl from Aleppo; novelist and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz; Ukranian writer and intellectual Andrey Kurkov and Alexander McCall Smith, acclaimed author of more than 119 books are among the star-studded line-up who will feature in the Galle Literary Festival (GLF) which makes a welcome return in January 2024.

Held in partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the GLF will be on from January 25 to 28. Inviting readers and thinkers from around the world, the Festival’s 11th edition aims to be a celebration of literary excellence.

The early names include Nayomi Apsara, Mary Beard, Jaspinder Bilan, Sam Bleakley, Nicholas Brookes, Tishani Doshi, Nizrana Farook, Guy Gunaratne, Romesh Gunesekera, Kanishka Gupta, Anthony Grayling, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Amanthi Harris, Will Harris, Afua Hirsch, Ameena Hussein, Balli Jaswal, Amanda Jayatissa, Radha Kumar, Andrey Kurkov, Andrew Lownie, Isurinie Anuradha Mallawaarachchi, Moni Mohsin, Nujeen Mustafa, DBC Pierre, Janice Pariat, Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa, Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Karan Gokani, Jeremy Lee, Cynthia Shanmugalingam  and Emily Dobbs.

“Today’s speaker reveal marks a fantastic milestone for Galle Literary Festival 2024 and comes early enough to be secured in the calendars of holiday-makers,” said Giselle Harding, Festival Director. “We are immensely proud to have such a diverse and talented line-up of participants, and feel strongly that there will be something there for everyone.”

Welcoming book lovers of all ages and backgrounds, the programme features workshops and events for younger guests with speakers at the Children’s Festival including Jasbinder Bilan, Nizrana Farook and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

Recognising the depth and diversity of Sri Lankan writing in English, the Festival will also host many diaspora authors.

The Festival in 2024 will build on the format of previous editions, giving a unique platform to authors, poets and artists. The Art Trail returns to host contemporary works in a walkable exhibition. Tea & Poetry, as well as literary lunches hosted by speakers in heritage venues, will be complemented by a parallel series of culinary events, as Gourmet Galle showcases top chefs and local cuisine. A breakout day in Jaffna brings diversity to the schedule.

Event tickets will be available to book on the Festival website later this year. Further information can be found at galleliteraryfestival.com