The Ceylon Literary Festival (CLF), presented by The Design Development Corporation, is a contemporary event dedicated to enriching Sri Lanka’s literary and creative arts landscape. Established to infuse new energy into literature and complementary creative streams such as architecture, art, film, culinary arts, and music, the festival provides an inclusive and progressive platform to celebrate and promote these disciplines.

The inaugural edition of CLF, held from February 8 to 12, 2024, in the historic cities of Kandy and Colombo, showcased a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Kandy, the ancient hill capital rich in history and culture, and Colombo, the bustling modern capital, provided diverse backdrops that enabled the festival to reach varied audiences.

With an impressive lineup of 42 authors—22 international and 20 local literary figures—the festival offered diverse perspectives and insights. Kandy hosted 11 engaging sessions, while Colombo featured 22 dynamic events. A special highlight was the Children’s Festival, curated by Artika Bakshi and Neluka Silva, which provided inspiring and interactive experiences for younger audiences.

At its core, the Ceylon Literary Festival is driven by a mission to engage and inspire Sri Lanka’s youth. By creating opportunities for emerging artists and creatives, the festival aims to ignite a passion for the arts through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship programs, nurturing the next generation of Sri Lankan talent.

The Design Development Corporation, the driving force behind the festival, is committed to uplifting and developing Sri Lanka’s creative industries. Backed by over 30 years of experience in innovative design and rooted in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the corporation is dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural dialogue.

Through its diverse programming and commitment to cultural exchange, the Ceylon Literary Festival, presented by The Design Development Corporation, aspires to position Sri Lanka as a vibrant hub for literature and the arts, fostering collaboration and dialogue among local and international creatives.