Galle Literary Festival winds up its 12th Edition!

The Galle Literary Festival concluded a successful 12th edition held from February 6-9 when literary enthusiasts flocked to venues in and around Galle Fort, drawn by an extraordinary lineup of speakers and a diverse programme of over 150 talks, workshops, and entertainment events.

Nearly all scheduled events selling out and many talks were filled to capacity. The festival featured a high-profile cast of local and international authors, including prize-winning fiction writers, celebrated historians, broadcasters, and talented illustrators.

Among the most popular interviews were Lankan-born Canadian author Shyam Selvadurai in conversation with Ameena Hussein about his latest book Mansions of the Moon and V.V. Ganeshananthan discussing her prize-winning book, Brotherless Night. Both were seen signing books to huge queues following their sessions.

Heavy-hitting subjects also proved popular, with talks such as The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics with Adam Rutherford, A New Wave of Democracy in South Asia? with Daniel Alphonsus, Peter Frankopan & Razeen Sally and Connecting Cultures: The Art of Literary Translation with Michael Hofmann, Rashmika Mandawala & Aube Rey Lescure, witnessing packed venues.

Said author Romesh Gunesekera, “GLF never fails to give me a lift in this troubling world. Apart from the magnetism of Galle, the chance for unexpected conversations, new ideas, and surprise encounters makes it a moment to be treasured. All thanks to a dedicated team who do the magic of bringing us together.”

Beyond the literary discussions, the festival hosted a thriving market of Sri Lankan products and a diverse programme of performances, from community theatre to cultural dance, on the Garden Stage at the heart of the market. The popular Literary Lunches and Dinners were a sellout along with the Children’s Programme and all workshops, demonstrating room for additional fringe events in future editions.