The latest New Ink 5 brings together, in a single panel, Ruchira Fernando (‘Whispers of a Love’), Lawanya Wijesekara (‘Muse, Martyr, Epiphany’), and Gamini Akmeemana (‘The Shark Binder’). The conversation will be steered by Carmel Miranda, author of ‘Crossmatch,’ and will take place at ICES Colombo on March 22 at 2.30 pm.
Ruchira Fernando and Lawanya Wijesekara debuted in English poetry with their recent collections which have been noted for their engaging delivery, smoothness of craft, and consistency. Fernando’s collection, in particular, showcases an intensity of emotion and sensitiveness that is refreshing in their being unaffected.
Wijesekara began her career as an electronically-published writer, as well as a translator. Her ‘Autumn Leaves’ and ‘Healer in the War Zone’ (the latter, a translation of Pathum Kerner’s ‘Yudha Bimaka Vedha Mahima’) gave her early recognition. She is also a performance poet with a presence in the slam circuit.
Gamini Akmeemana’s ‘The Shark Binder’ is a much awaited return to the pit from this veteran journalist and writer who won the Gratiaen Prize in 1997 for ‘The Mirage’. ‘The Shark Binder’ is set in the colonial times, in the 1920s, and involves a cross-cultural love affair: a story that has grabbed the interest of a varied readership.
Leading the conversation is Carmel Miranda, whose ‘Crossmatch’ was awarded the Gratiaen Prize in 2020. Her work has previously been featured at New Ink, while Miranda has remained a great friend and supporter of this platform for several years.
Join this panel to hear four voices of the English literary scene as they share opinion and engage one’s another minds.
