Recapture literary magic again at the 12th edition of the Galle Literary Festival (GLF) due to commence from February 6 to 9 at the historical Galle Fort. Quoted by Harper’s Bazaar magazine as the ‘World’s No. 1 Literary Festival’, the Festival has become one of the most prominent in South Asia and has attracted the attention of local and international authors and literary enthusiasts far and wide. Throughout the four days a panel of authors both local and foreign will descend upon the island to discuss all things related to their work and otherwise. The Galle Fort will come alive with panel discussions, poetry readings, gallery viewings, markets, book signings and finely curated lunches and dinners prepared by leading chefs hailing from all corners of the globe.
The inception of the Festival dates back to 2005 and was an initiative of Geoffrey Dobbs an Anglo- Australian hotelier, who conceived to promote local English Literature, Sri Lankan culture, the Arts and the hospitality sector while focusing on the rich literary heritage of the region and beyond. This year’s festival promises to build up on the immensely successful 11th edition which included speakers in the likes of Booker Prize-winning author, Shehan Karunatilake and DBC Pierre; celebrated war correspondent, Christina Lamb, Mary Beard, Nujeen Mustafa, co-author of the novel, The Girl from Aleppo, novelist and screenwriter, Anthony Horowitz; Ukrainian writer and intellectual, Andrey Kurkov and Alexander McCall Smith.
Global cultural connections
This year’s Festival promises to be yet another successful event with a theme focusing on identity, legacy and global cultural connections. Over 100 events are expected to take place in this year’s Festival and gearing up to be a major event showcasing the best of local and international talent plus the usual fun regalia and events which make the GLF one of the most looked forward to events in the calendar year. “We’re thrilled to share this year’s program which represents our most dynamic line- up to date,” said Saskia Walker, curator of this year’s Festival, “With brilliant guests joining us from within Sri Lanka and abroad, we have put together an array of inspiring and engaging discussions, creating a platform for curiosity, creativity and global conversations in Galle. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the power of stories and ideas at GLF this coming February.”
The event categories includes insightful panel sessions with renowned speakers of the likes of Shyam Selvadurai, Romesh Gunasekera, Michael Attenborough, Afua Hirsch, Philippe Sands, Ameena Hussain, Kate Mosse CBE, Devdutt Pattanaik, Aube Rey Lescure, Sathnam Sanghera, Saba Douglas Hamilton, Razeen Sally, Shyala Smith with over sixty other speakers expected to attend.
The Festival is packed with workshops from creative writing to photography and yoga. It is also a great time to explore the Galle Fort and uncover the history behind the festival location, with tours and walks featuring Galle residents, historians and architects.
Major part
Food plays a major part in the proceedings and this year is no different, there will be multiple curated gatherings featuring the best culinary expertise from around the world, giving the visitors a chance to meet and socialise with their favourite authors. The picturesque surroundings of the Galle Fort will play host to myriad events such as afternoon teas alongside poetry sessions and cocktails at sundown overlooking the magnificent rampart walls. Entertainment will be in no short supply with a variety of acts lined up to keep the visitors to the Festival reverted, from live jazz and classical music performances to the best sounding DJ music and standup comedy nights . The Art Trail in association with ARTRA as well as the Children’s Festival are event regulars, the former will feature a pedestrian gallery as historic buildings display free exhibitions featuring local and international artistes. While at the Martin Wickramasinghe museum, young writers will get the opportunity to take part in creative workshops, storytelling sessions and so much more.
Some of the key talks lined up for the upcoming 2025 Galle Literary Festival include:
Legacy: Who Do We Choose to Remember? Afua Hirsch, Simon Lister and Ben Macintyre in conversation with Julia Wheeler
Wild Encounters, Wise Choices: Shaping Sustainable Wildlife Tourism Saba Douglas-Hamilton and Manori Gunawardena in conversation with Anushka Wijesinha.
Repatriation: Objects of Empire, Naazima Kamardeen, Sathnam Sanghera and Nicholas Thomas with Georgina Godwin, A New Wave of Democracy in South Asia – Daniel Alphonsus and Peter Frankopan with Rahul Jacob
Behind the Curtain: Writing for Theatre, Michael Attenborough, Jenny Erpenbeck and Greg Mosse with Tracy Holsinger
Catalysts of Creativity: Why Writing Prizes Matter-Romesh Gunesekera, Maduranga Kalugampitiya and Kate Mosse with Louise Minchin
AI in Writing: Friend, Foe or Tool? Adam Rutherford and Yudhanjaya Wijeratne
Worrell: Caribbean Cricket & Post-Independence Identity, Simon Lister in conversation with Simon Parker
We’re thrilled to share this year’s program which represents our most dynamic lineup to date,” said Saskia Walker. “With brilliant guests joining us from within Sri Lanka and abroad, we have put together an array of inspiring and engaging discussions, creating a platform for curiosity, creativity and global conversations in Galle.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the power of stories and ideas at GLF this coming February.” Festival passes are now sold out although tickets to individual events are available, for more information on events and the guest speakers visit the GLF website at the galleliteraryfestival.com.
