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A new award is introduced by Fairway Holdings for the best literary work in Sinhala, Tamil and English by Sri Lankan authors. Accordingly novels published in 2014/15 in the two national languages and English will be eligible to win this prize. This is in connection with the new tie-up that is formed between Fairway Holdings and Galle Literary Festival, where the former has extended its support as the title sponsor for the next three years.
The FGLF is scheduled to be held is three cities from this upcoming edition in an effort to take it to a wider audience. The festival would be held on 8-9 Jan 2016 in Kandy, 14-17 in Galle and 23-24 in Jaffna.
Speaking to the press, Fairway Holdings Managing Director Hemaka de Alwis had this to say: “The Galle Literary Festival has developed into a highly acclaimed and internationally recognised event over the years and we are very pleased to be associated with the revival of this unique event as the title sponsor this year. Our involvement stretches beyond the mere financial support as a sponsor of the event. In addition, we intend to promote, recognise and reward literary excellence in Sri Lanka. At this year’s Galle Literary Festival, we will introduce the Fairway National Literary Award for the authors of the best novels in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Through this recognition and reward we hope to encourage, develop and drive Sri Lankan authors to strive for literary excellence.”
Five publications from each language will be shortlisted for this award and the best novel comprising the most excellent and creative work from each stream as per the decision of the panel of judges will be eligible for a cash award of Rs. 500,000. Additionally, every book that has been shortlisted will earn a reward of Rs. 100,000. The award ceremony will be broad based in three main cities of the island with the intention of reviving creative writing in different geographical areas. Thus the Award for the Best Novel in Sinhala will be held in Kandy, the Award for the Best Novel in Tamil in Jaffna and the Award for the Best Novel in English in Galle to coincide with the landmark Galle Literary Festival.
Entries will be open from 1 August till 1 September. Entry forms can be downloaded from the website www.fairwayholdings.com or obtained by sending a self-addressed envelope to ‘The Coordinator – Book Award, ‘The Fairways’ #100, Buthgamuwa Road, Rajagiriya 10107’. Alternatively, you may contact them on +94 117 586586 or www.fairwayholdings.com.
