Full Day Pass – 19th January 2025

9:30 am – 9:40 am | Cultural performance

9:45 am – 10:25 am | Talk the Talk 

Amit Varma in conversation with Shanaka Amarasinghe

Amit Varma shares his experiences as a successful podcaster and journalist, focusing on how to create long-form content that encourages critical thinking and attracts intellectual audiences. He could discuss how to choose topics, prepare for interviews, and manage the balance between accessibility and depth.

10:30 am – 11:10 am | Museums, Memory, and Storytelling

Neil MacGregor in conversation with Pramod Kumar KG

Explore Neil MacGregor’s distinguished career as a curator and historian that has revolutionised the museum landscape worldwide. His leadership of major British and European institutions has involved various literary projects that have shaped a unique approach to historical storytelling. Discuss the significance of making history accessible and relatable to a broad audience, with key examples from A History of the World in 100 Objects.

11:15 am – 12:00 pm | Grins in the Gloom

Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist in conversation with Ashok Ferrey

How can humour unexpectedly surface in darker subjects like crime and mental health, adding a dash of spice to storytelling? A playful mixing of genres—Graeme with his delightful blend of humour and romance, and Anne with her gripping psychological thrillers. Delve into The Rosie Series by Graeme Simsion, with insights into his collaborative processes, the inspiration behind his characters, and the profound themes that resonate with readers worldwide.

12:05 pm – 12:50 pm | From Frangipani Gardens to Battlegrounds 

Ramya Jirasinghe, Vihanga Perera in conversation with Sukanya Wignaraja

Ramya Jirasinghe and Vihanga Perera come together for a powerful conversation on the transformative role of poetry in healing and understanding. Ramya will explore themes of love, loss, and reconciliation in post-war Sri Lanka, drawing from her collection Love Poems from a Frangipani Garden, while Vihanga will share how real-life experiences shape his topical, poignant poetry. Together, they’ll discuss how poetry bridges divides and offers solace in challenging times.

12:55 pm – 1:35 pm | Science Under Siege

Shawn Otto in conversation with Chevaan Daniel

Shawn Otto explores the roles of media, education, and social networks in shaping public perception and learning how to counteract misinformation. The session will also focus on understanding how to analyse scientific claims, emphasising the importance of scepticism and the cultivation of a questioning mindset in a world rife with conflicting information.

1:35 pm – 2:05 pm | Lunch 

2:10 pm – 2:50 pm | Many Loves, From the Greeks

Molly Roden Winter in conversation with Shrayana Bhattacharya

An unfiltered discussion about the ethics and emotional realities of open marriages, based on Winter’s provocative memoir More: A Memoir of Open Marriage. How do you handle jealousy when love is shared across multiple partners? How do transparency and communication become the foundations of trust? Molly offers her personal insights from navigating her own open marriage—highlighting the ups, downs, and everything in between.

2:55 pm – 3:40 pm | The Interplay of Politics and Trade: Insights into Sri Lanka’s Policies

Razeen Sally, Murtaza Jafferjee, Nisthar Cassim in conversation with Rehana Thowfeek

A critical examination of the intricate relationship between political dynamics and trade policy decisions in Sri Lanka. The panelists will explore how political stability, governance, and policy frameworks influence trade agreements and economic strategies. The discussion will highlight challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and shifting political priorities that hinder trade growth. Conversely, it will identify opportunities for enhancing international partnerships, promoting sustainable practices, and leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position. By analysing these factors, the session aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to navigate the evolving trade landscape effectively.

3:45 pm – 4:25 pm | The Storyteller’s Palette

Jerry Pinto in conversation with Graeme Simsion 

Shining a light on Jerry Pinto’s creative genius across original writing, translations, and biographies and children’s literature. From the emotional depth of Em and The Big Hoom to the coming-of-age themes in The Education of Yuri, and his translations of Cobalt Blue and Baluta, the discussion will uncover Pinto’s creative process, storytelling philosophy, and his approach to translation. Attendees will gain insight into the humour, empathy, and social awareness that tie together his varied works, making them resonate across audiences.

4:30 pm – 5:10 pm | Ghosts of Legacy

Pramod Kumar KG in conversation with Sujit Sivasundaram

Explore South Asia’s rich, unconventional archives—oral stories, cultural expressions, and everyday sayings—that go beyond paper trails. Pramod Kumar KG dives into the importance of these overlooked memories and the urgent need to preserve them. The discussion also tackles the global movement to return cultural artefacts, highlighting their deep ties to community identity and history. This session highlights the ethical duty to honour and preserve South Asia’s intangible heritage within the broader historical preservation landscape.

5:15 pm – 5:45 pm | A Suitable Recitation [a performance on Vikram Seth]

Ratna Pathak Shah, Naseeruddin Shah 

Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah embark on a whimsical journey through Vikram Seth’s iconic poem The Elephant and the Tragopan, infusing their theatrical prowess with a splash of humour and creativity.

5:50 pm – 5:55 pm | Closing Address