Celebrating words, film, and art at HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival 2025

By Divya Thotawatte 

With an exciting mix of literature conversations, film discussions, exhibits and workshops by renowned local and international voices, day two of the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival 2025 was a celebration of creativity, craft, and intellectual exchange. 

The second edition of the festival that was first introduced in 2024 and organised by HSBC, was held at the Colombo Public Library, which also celebrates its centennial this year. 

The festival included 32 thought-provoking discussions through 17-19 January, with notable authors and creatives from around the world, a semi-autobiographical art exhibition, two writing workshops, and creative activities for children and adults, along with a tempting array of food and drink stalls that added to the festive atmosphere. 

Commenting on the success of the event, HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival Director and Co-Founder Ajai Vir Singh: “The second edition of the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival quite successfully accomplished the goal we had set for it nearly nine months ago. We had a much larger author pool. We had more impactful and influential international authors. Then, we also had a film festival that is supported by the British Council and the art festival. A strong and meaningful narrative for Sri Lankan literature, films, and art has been created through this festival because it is setting a tone and can be one of the best in South Asia. That is what we are headed towards.”

He added that this journey and success of the event would also generate and enhance the creative economy of the country and its soft power further. Additionally, the increase of the economy of Colombo for three days should be considered, Singh noted. “It should become an annual calendar event for tourists where they will consider spending time in Colombo when they come. All these goals are what we are dreaming of and that is where we are headed,” he said. 

The second day of the festival featured an exciting range of sessions. Sri Lankan-British Author Razeen Sally opened the day with ‘The Beauty and Struggle of Reconciliation: Lessons from Sri Lanka’, a timely discussion on national healing, politics, and travel writing, moderated by Sri Lankan Lawyer Bhavani Fonseka. 

British Author Sophie Mackintosh, moderated by Psychotherapist and Oxford University Press in New Delhi Former Editor Sukanya Wignaraja, led an engaging discussion, ‘On Obsession and Control’, where she discussed the themes, inspirations, and journeys behind her acclaimed novels ‘The Water Cure’ and ‘Cursed Bread.’ Reflecting on her love for the long form of writing, Mackintosh captivated the audience with her thoughts on ambiguity, memory, and timeless storytelling. 

In ‘Globetrotters’ Tales,’ Sri Lankan Writer and Travel Enthusiast Mihiri Wikramanayake and Sri Lankan Author and Environmental Architect Sunela Jayewardane shared their creative experiences and inspirations from their travels in a vibrant session moderated by Indian Author and Photographer Arati Kumar-Rao. ‘Desperately Seeking Asia’ by Indian Author Shrayana Bhattacharya, in conversation with Advocata Institute Chairperson and Former Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange Murtaza Jafferjee, explored the nuances of understanding Asia’s cultures and histories. 

Throughout the day, thought-provoking discussions highlighted diverse perspectives. Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Andrew Sean Greer’s discussion ‘Not All Heroes Wear Capes,’ moderated by American Author Molly Roden Winter, was a deep dive into his creative process and his reflections on his literary journey. Indian Author and Biochemist Pranay Lal’s ‘Eco-Echoes: History Through Nature’s Lens,’ moderated by Sri Lankan Conservationist Vinod Malwatte, delved into the intersection of natural history and human evolution. 

‘Museums, Memory and Storytelling’ was a session by British Art Historian and Author Neil MacGregor, which was moderated by Jaipur Literature Festival Founder and Consultant Curator Pramod Kumar KG. For the session ‘Ink and Insight: Navigating the Writer’s Path,’ Indian Author Kiran Desai and Sri Lankan Author Lal Medawattegedara joined Indian Writer and Podcaster Amit Varma for a candid discussion about the craft and journey of writing, shedding light on the struggles, breakthroughs, and inspiration behind the creative process.

Film and theatre enthusiasts also enjoyed ‘The Mirror and the Muse: Cinema and Theatre’s Hidden Truths,’ featuring renowned names like Indian Actor Ratna Pathak Shah, Indian Actor Naseeruddin Shah, Sri Lankan Filmmaker and Actress Dinara Punchihewa, Sri Lankan Actress Nimmi Harasgama, Sri Lankan Film Director, Writer, and Actor Rehan Mudannayake, and Sri Lankan Playwright and Dramatist Ruwanthie de Chickera, who explored the transformative power of storytelling through visual and performing arts. ‘Lipstick, Laughs, Life in the Spotlight’ was another engaging session by Ratna Pathak Shah, who entertained the audience in a lively discussion moderated by Indian Poet and Novelist Jerry Pinto. 

After each session, book signings by each featured author were also made available for visitors. Additionally, a Sarasavi bookstall was available within the premises, where guests were able to purchase books from authors that intrigued them. 

The lawn came alive with activities for younger attendees, offering creative workshops such as ‘Banksy-Inspired Art on Canvas’ and ‘Wax Resist Art of Sri Lankan Birds’ by The Art Studio for children between 6-13 years, ‘Fun with My Little Handbook of Feelings’ for those between 5-8 years and ‘Ink the Imagination’ for those between 9-13 years by Sri Lankan Writer and Contributing Editor Artica Bakshi, and ‘Mischief Makers Unite! A Prankenstein Adventure’ by Jerry Pinto for 6- to 10-year-olds, in an attempt to foster artistic exploration among children.

The Semi-Autobiographical Art Exhibition, which featured the works of multiple Sri Lankan artists, also enriched the festival’s offerings, creating a multifaceted experience for all.

Further adding to the festival’s allure were food stalls from top local hotels like Cinnamon Grand and Taj Samudra, offering gourmet dishes and snacks, while Sozo and Dilmah provided refreshing beverages to keep visitors energised throughout the day. 

While it was organised by HSBC, the festival was also sponsored by Dilmah, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Taj Samudra Colombo, John Keells Foundation, Clouds by Sozo, British Council, Goethe Institut, Synamon Global, The Rukmini Tissanayagam Trust, Acorn Group, Sarasavi Bookshop, Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, Daily FT, and HardTalk.  The three-day HSBC Literary and Arts Festival 2025 concluded yesterday and highlights of day three will be published by official print partner Daily FT tomorrow.

Pix by Shehan Gunasekara