Kandy
8th Feb - Trinity College Kandy
9th Feb - Suisse Hotel Kandy
THU | 8TH FEB
10:00 - 10:45
Is your Booker Bigger than Mine?
The Booker, in whichever form, is one of the world’s most prestigious literary prizes. Shehan Karunatilaka (Booker Prize 2022) talks about his win, and the dizzy whirlwind of public engagements that followed (and is still not over). Where do you go once you reach the top? Moderated by Savithri Rodrigo
11:00 – 11.45
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detectives
Three wicked ladies, all masters of murder mystery and mayhem, plot their next crime. Will it be The Bloated Body at the Bottom of the Beira? The Macerated Mummy in the Maligawa? Anita Nair, Shrabani Basu and Carmel Miranda, moderated by Chhimi Tenduf-la. Watch your backs, people.
11:15 – 12.00
Art Festival
Paynter: The Painter, The Person - Delving into David Paynter’s Impact and Influence
"The Painter, The Person: Delving into David Paynter’s Impact and Influence" is a captivating session at the Trinity College Chapel, where Dr. Avanthi Jayasinge, a Counseling Psychologist and Visual Artist, will explore the profound impact and influence of David Paynter.
12:00 – 12.45
David Hare in Conversation
One of the world’s greatest living playwrights, David Hare, talks about his life and his work. Moderated by Professor Neluka Silva
Venue: Suisse Hotel Kandy (2pm - 6.45pm)
14:00 – 14.45
It’s the Body, Stupid!
Looking good is the 21st century obsession. Being good is no longer enough, or even necessary. Prajwal Parajuly, Koluu and Tina Edward Gunawardana discuss body image (the current holy grail of everyone under ninety) and its place in contemporary literature. Moderated by Mrinali Thalgodapitiya
15:00 – 15.45
Will the last feminist turn out the lights when they leave?
Sri Lanka was proud to have had the world’s first woman Prime Minister, in 1960. Since then it’s been downhill all the way. Has feminism lost its way in the world? Or are we finally witnessing the Autumn of the Patriarchy? Two feminist authors Sonora Jha and V V Ganeshananthan discuss. Moderator George Cooke
15:15 – 16.00
Art Festival
Paynter: The Painter, The Person - Delving into David Paynter’s Impact and Influence
"The Painter, The Person: Delving into David Paynter’s Impact and Influence" is a captivating session at the Trinity College Chapel, where Dr. Avanthi Jayasinge, a Counseling Psychologist and Visual Artist, will explore the profound impact and influence of David Paynter.
16:00 – 16.45
Shyam Selvadurai launches Mansions of the Moon
Iconic Sri Lankan author Shyam Selvadurai talks about his latest book – on the life of the Buddha, seen through the eyes of his wife Yashodara. Moderated by Ameena Hussein
17:00 – 17.45
The White Moghul speaks
William Dalrymple, one of the world’s most beloved historians, talks about his stellar career. William Dalrymple in conversation with Ashok Ferrey
18:00 – 18.45
Woke me up, before you Go-Go
In our frantic efforts to stay within the ever-changing boundaries of political correctness have we killed off humour? Sensitivity readers and cancel culture are all the vogue: are they bringing us swiftly back to the age of burning books? Prajwal Parajuly, Louise Doughty, and Sonora Jha discuss. T P Tovenaar moderates. Pass me the matches, someone.
FRI | 9TH FEB
10:00 - 10:45
But Where Exactly is Home?
Authors Ronya Othman, Amanthi Harris and VV Ganeshananthan discuss what it means to leave home, and how this upheaval has fashioned their literature. Moderated by author-in-exile Marguerite Richards
11:00 – 11.45
Help! AI chewed up my manuscript!
In a world increasingly run by AI, are authors safe? Or will we go the way of rickshaw-pullers and chimney sweeps – mythical creatures of a malodorous past? Louis de Bernieres, Lal Medawattegedar, Preeti Shenoy and current Gratiaen winner Yudhanjaya Wijeratne discuss this dying art.
11:00 – 12.30
at Helga's Folly
Art Festival
Helga’s Folly Unveiled: A Captivating Tour Through Art, Mystery, and Time
Helga De Silva Blow Perera, a former Dior model with a fascinating background, owns Helga’s Folly, a captivating hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Designed by her mother - Esme De Silva - in 1930, the brutalist concrete structure boasts a stunning view. The hotel’s allure lies in the vibrant murals covering every inch of wall space, initiated by Helga in 1988 as a therapeutic response to personal challenges. Guests included Vivian Leigh, Peter Finch, Sir Laurence Olivier, and Mahatma Gandhi.
12:00 – 12.45
Louis de Bernieres in Conversation
The best-selling author of Captain Correlli’s Mandolin talks to Shevanthie Goonesekera about his career, his connections to Sri Lanka, and his latest book Light Over Liskeard.
Colombo
Public Library Colombo
SAT | 10TH FEB
10:00 - 10:45
Tall Story, Short Story
Any author will tell you: it is much more difficult to write a short story than a long one. Four brilliant exponents of the art tell us how to do it right. Lal Medawattegedara, Ciara Mandulee Mendis and current Gratiaen winner Chiranthi Rajapakse. Chaired by Seneka Abeyratne.
10:00 - 10:45
Art Festival
Reviving Masterpieces A Guided Tour of David Paynter’s Artistry and the Art of Restoration
Guided by Dr. Priyantha Udagedara | Talk by Udaya Hewawasam on restoration
10:00 - 10:45
Children's Festival
Creative Writing
The stories we create (6 - 9 Years)
A playful and imaginative workshop where children will learn the joy of crafting their own stories.
10:00 - 10:45
Children's Festival
Creative Writing
Creating Stories to Protect Our Environment (6 - 9 Years)
A session that beautifully intertwines storytelling with lessons on environmental stewardship.
11:00 – 11.45
Is your Booker Bigger than Mine?
The Booker, in whichever form, is one of the world’s most prestigious literary prizes. Shehan Karunatilaka (Booker Prize 2022) talks about his win, and the dizzy whirlwind of public engagements that followed (and is still not over). Where do you go once you reach the top? Moderated by Savithri Rodrigo
11:30 - 12:30
Children's Festival
Arts & Crafts
Pattern Play: Discover the Magic of Block Printing! (6 - 13 Years)
Dive into the world of Pablo Picasso's one-line drawing technique at the Children's Literary Festival, where art meets simplicity in the most magical way. This workshop is an artistic adventure that introduces children to the concept of minimalist masterpieces created with just one unbroken line.
12:00 – 12.45
From an Antique Land
James Braxton, star of BBC hit show Antiques Road Trip, talks about his career in antiques and his forthcoming trilogy set in Sri Lanka, starring (gulp!) the antique dealer Mr Ashok. Moderated by, er, Mr Ashok
13:00 – 13.45
The Anarchy by William Dalrymple
William Dalrymple recounts the fascinating story of the The Anarchy: the disintegration of the Mughal Empire and the rise and rise of the East India Company; in what the Times Literary Supplement called “one of the best books on Indian history published in a long time.”
14:00 – 14.45
It’s the Body, Stupid!
Looking good is the 21st century obsession. Being good is no longer enough, or even necessary. Prajwal Parajuly, Koluu and Tina Edward Gunawardana discuss body image (the current holy grail of everyone under ninety) and its place in contemporary literature. Moderated by Mrinali Thalgodapitiya
15:00 – 15.45
Nicole Farhi: My Life in the Arts
Iconic fashion designer Nicole Farhi who headed French Connection and then went on to found her eponymous label, pivoted mid-life into a career in sculpting, and has become a sculptor of great renown. Here she talks to Dinesh Chandrasena about her life in the various creative worlds of high fashion, costume design and sculpting.
15:00 - 16:00
Children's Festival
Creative Writing
The stories we create (10 - 14 Years)
A playful and imaginative workshop where children will learn the joy of crafting their own stories.
15:00 - 16:00
Children's Festival
Creative Writing
Creating Stories to Protect Our Environment (10 - 14 Years)
A session that beautifully intertwines storytelling with lessons on environmental stewardship.
16:00 – 16.45
Shyam Selvadurai launches Mansions of the Moon
Iconic Sri Lankan author Shyam Selvadurai talks about his latest book – on the life of the Buddha, seen through the eyes of his wife Yashodara. Moderated by Ameena Hussein
16:30 - 17:30
Children's Festival
Music
Vocal Training with Music Makers (6 - 10 Years)
Step into the world of music at the Children's Literary Festival with our "Music Makers" vocal training sessions. Under the expert guidance of Roshie Wickramaratne James, each child will have the opportunity to explore and develop their vocal skills in a supportive and joyful environment.
17:00 – 17.45
Loved the book, but oh the film!
Why do some books and plays make brilliant films, but others not? Three experienced screenwriters – David Hare, Louise Doughty and Shyam Selvadurai talk to actor Nimmi Harasgama about the precise and finicky art of screen-writing
SUN | 11TH FEB
10:00 - 10:45
Zzz . . .
Do you have trouble sleeping? Let Giles Watkins, the Guru of Sleep and author of the book Positive Sleep teach you the fine art of getting a decent night’s rest. Moderated by Mrinali Thalgodapitiya
10:00 - 10:45
Children's Festival
Creative Writing
The stories we create (6 - 9 Years)
A playful and imaginative workshop where children will learn the joy of crafting their own stories.
Date: 11th Feb
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Age: 6 - 10 Years
Venue: Colombo Public Library
Free Pass
a 'TUTTI-FRUTTI' Workshop by Chiara Armellini
Create imaginary fruits through arts and crafts
11:00 - 11:45
But Where Exactly is Home?
Authors Ronya Othman, Amanthi Harris and VV Ganeshananthan discuss what it means to leave home, and how this upheaval has fashioned their literature. Moderated by author-in-exile Marguerite Richards
11:00 - 11:45
at Curado Art Space
Art Festival
Sculpting Stories: Nicole Farhi’s Odyssey, Techniques, and Wisdom for Emerging Artists
Nicole Farhi first gained public recognition in the 1980s as a fashion designer. She created her eponymous label in1982,10 years after having started the well known French Connection company with her partner Stephen Marks .
She went on to win The British Fashion Award for Best Contemporary Designer 3 years running and she became one of the best known fashion designers in the UK, an inspiration to a generation of women.
11:30 - 12:30
Children's Festival
Arts & Crafts
Picasso's One-Line Drawing Journey (6 - 13 Years)
Join us at the Children's Literary Festival for a fun-filled session of Block Printing! In this interactive workshop, children will dive into the colorful world of textile design, using stamps to create their own unique patterns.
12:00 – 12.45
David Hare in Conversation
One of the world’s greatest living playwrights, David Hare, talks about his life and his work. Moderated by Professor Neluka Silva
14:00 – 14.45
Woke me up, before you Go-Go
In our frantic efforts to stay within the ever-changing boundaries of political correctness, have we killed off humour? Sensitivity readers and cancel culture are all the vogue: are they bringing us swiftly back to the age of burning books? Prajwal Parajuly, Louise Doughty, Sonora Jha discuss. T P Tovenaar moderates. Pass me the matches, someone.
15:00 – 15.45
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detectives
Three wicked ladies, all masters of murder mystery and mayhem, plot their next crime. Will it be The Bloated Body at the Bottom of the Beira? The Macerated Mummy in the Maligawa? Anita Nair, Shrabani Basu and Carmel Miranda, moderated by Chhimi Tenduf-la. Watch your backs, people.
15:00 - 16:00
Children's Festival
Creative Writing
The stories we create (10 - 14 Years)
A playful and imaginative workshop where children will learn the joy of crafting their own stories.
15:00 - 16:00
Children's Festival
Creative Writing
Creating Stories to Protect Our Environment (10 - 14 Years)
A session that beautifully intertwines storytelling with lessons on environmental stewardship.
16:00 – 16.45
Help! AI chewed up my manuscript!
In a world increasingly run by AI, are authors safe? Or will we go the way of rickshaw-pullers and chimney sweeps – mythical creatures of a malodorous past? Louis de Bernieres, Lal Medawattegedara, Preeti Shenoy and current Gratiaen winner Yudhanjaya Wijeratne discuss this dying art.
16:00 - 17:00
Art Festival
From Earth to Art: Ceramic Creation Workshop Conducted by Dr. Ranjith Weerasinghe
Date: 11th Feb 2024
Session [4 pm – 5 pm]
Venue: Ceramic Department,
University of Visual and Performing Arts,
Colombo 07
Conducted by Dr. Ranjith Weerasinghe
16:30 - 17:30
Children's Festival
Music
Vocal Training with Music Makers (6 - 10 Years)
Step into the world of music at the Children's Literary Festival with our "Music Makers" vocal training sessions. Under the expert guidance of Roshie Wickramaratne James, each child will have the opportunity to explore and develop their vocal skills in a supportive and joyful environment.
17:00 – 17.45
The White Moghul speaks
William Dalrymple, one of the world’s most beloved historians, talks about his stellar career. William Dalrymple in conversation with Ashok Ferrey
18:00 – 18.45
Free Event- The Magic of Motown
Famous Scottish radio personality Stuart Cosgrove takes us through the 70s and the marvellous magic of Motown music.
MON | 12TH FEB
10:00 - 10:45
Rhyming within Reason
Poets Ronya Othman, Aminur Rahman, Ramya Chamalie Jirasinghe and Vivmarie Vanderpoorten recite from their work and discuss why (or whether) poetry is superior to prose. Moderated by Megan Dakshini
11:00 – 11.45
Repeating History
How do you take a much-loved character from history and fashion a novel around them? How much of the truth do you tell, how much do you sweep under the carpet? Shrabani Basu, Christopher Kloeble, Shyam Selvadurai. Moderated by Sukanya Wignaraja.
12:00 – 12.45
Goldfingers
These authors – Anita Nair, Preethi Shenoy – have each sold over a million copies of their books. What is their secret? Listen carefully . . . Savithri Rodrigo moderates
14:00 – 14.45
Be a Good Sport
These three authors and their moderator have each written a book on sport. Saskia Jain (badminton), Shehan Karunatilaka (cricket) and Stuart Cosgrove (boxing) ask whether you need to play the sport to write about it. How emotionally invested do you need to be? Chaired by T P Tovenaar (Author of The Angampora Queen).
15:00 – 15.45
Will the last feminist turn out the lights when they leave?
Sri Lanka was proud to have had the world’s first woman Prime Minister, in 1960. Since then it’s been downhill all the way. Has feminism lost its way in the world? Or are we finally witnessing the Autumn of the Patriarchy? Three feminist authors Shobhaa De, Sonora JhaandVV Ganeshananthan discuss. Moderator George Cooke
16:00 – 16.45
Louis de Bernieres in Conversation
The best-selling author of Captain Correlli’s Mandolin talks to Shevanthie Goonesekera about his career, his connections to Sri Lanka, and his latest book Light Over Liskeard.
Creative Writing Workshop with Artika Aurora Bakshi
A playful and imaginative workshop where children will learn the joy of crafting their own stories.
Date: 12th Feb
Time: 16:00 - 17:00
Age: 5 - 8 Years
Venue: t-Lounge by Dilamah, Horton Place
16:30 - 17:30
Songs of the Sufi
The Untold Story of Classical Qawwali
Presented by Shoe Market Productions
Produced by: Kamran Anwar
Directed by: Shahrukh Waheed
Produced by: Kamran Anwar
Directed by: Shahrukh Waheed
Venue: Library @ British Council
Passes: Free registration
17:00 – 17.45
The Empire Strikes Back
Thousands of years ago the Indian Empire, in a wave of idealogical colonisation, gave us Sanskrit, the Buddha and the number zero. Are we ready to ride the second wave? William Dalrymple, Shobhaa De, Anita Nair and Palitha Kohona, moderated by Ganeshan Wignaraja
18:00 – 20.00
Movie Screening of Cassius X: Becoming Ali
Date: Monday 12th February
Time: 6pm
Passes: Free registration
Venue: Library @ British Council