Await the Fairway National Literary Award shortlist on Nov. 27

The shortlist of the Fairway National Literary Award 2016 will be announced on November 27 at the Hilton Residencies, Colombo. Along with this announcement of the shortlisted entries for the three language categories, the panels of judges for each of the three languages will be revealed.

This award was initiated by Fairway Holdings to recognise writers of our country and to ensure that their skills will be appreciated with an award and an attractive cash prize.

There was an overwhelming response from writers and publishers, with 89 entries being received. Novels published in 2014/15 in the two national languages and English are eligible to win this prize.

Three to five publications from each language will be shortlisted and the best novel comprising of the most excellent and creative work from each language will win the cash award of Rs. 500,000. Additionally, every book that has been shortlisted will receive Rs. 100,000.

Fairway Holdings Chairman Hemaka de Alwis stated, “We are proud to have taken this step to recognise the literary skills of our own writers. Our purpose is to recognise, promote and encourage Sri Lankan authors to strive for literary excellence.

We are happy with the overwhelming response we have received, 89 entries in all. The rewards and recognition offered for the chosen works are attractive and we are confident that they will encourage more and more budding writers to submit their work in the coming years.”

The Fairway National Literary Award ceremony will be held in Galle on January 15 for the first time to coincide with the Fairway Galle Literary Festival.