Galle Concerto 2024 to celebrate Sri Lankan culture; woo high-end tourists

From left: Southern Book Fair’s Edward Robinson, Matara Festival for the Arts’ Chanchala Gunewardena, Opera at the Anantara Champika De Silva,Presidential Advisor Niranjan Deva Aditya, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu, Rhythms of Paradise Nilupul Gunawardena and Galle Literary Festival's Tracy Holisinger – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe 

By Divya Thotawatte 

Highlighting the cultural, musical, literary and culinary excellence of the country, Galle Concerto 2024 – the Southern Festivals and its handbook was launched on Wednesday with a view to attract high-end tourism to Sri Lanka and recover the global image of the country. 

The festivals are organised by The Presidential Secretariat, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The Galle Concerto 2024 includes six events: Rhythms of Paradise in Koggala (12-14 January), Gourmet Galle, Opera at the Anantara (19-21 January), Southern Book Fair 2024 (19-28 January), Galle Literary Festival 2024 (25-28 January) and Matara Festival for the Arts (1-4 February). 

Celebrating Sri Lanka’s culture, music, literature, art and food while bringing together a diverse array of writers, poets, intellectuals, literary enthusiasts, musicians, artists and celebrity chefs from around the world, Galle Concerto 2024 spotlights the country to a global audience.

Speaking at the event, Presidential Envoy Niranjan Deva Aditya said, “I am proud that in a short period of two years, we have been able to resurrect our global identity and showcase this festival. It is a small example of what we can do. I’m not talking about knowledge, IT, or tourism; it is a cultural festival that is so rich, vibrant and positive. We are back on the world stage.” 

He said the Galle Concerto that showcases Sri Lanka’s rich cultural diversity through several musical events, a food festival, modern art and a book exhibition would gain local and international acclaim for its contribution to the global cultural landscape. 

Sri Lanka Tourism Board Chairman Chanchala Gajabahu noted that the Galle Concerto 2024 would contribute highly in achieving the tourism goals of the country. 

“The President has a vision for the country to achieve five million tourists by 2029. Yes, we can do that, but we can’t do it overnight. We need infrastructure, sustainability and other investments coming into Sri Lanka. That’s what we are building. 2023 was a comeback year after what we experienced in the last 3-4 years. We have to bring people and with all this travel advisories from Europe, America and all over the world, conducting events like this show that Sri Lanka is winning.

“In that five million charter, the President has clearly identified that 2.5 million has to be at the upper end of the market, which is achievable. It is quality versus quantity. Events like this would get that market for the whole country,” Gajabahu said.

Also present at the launch were Galle Literary Festival and Gourmet Galle representative Tracy Holisnger, Southern Book Fair representative Edward Robinson, Matara Festival for the Arts representative Chanchala Gunewardena, Rhythms of Paradise representative Nilupul Gunawardena, Opera at the Anantara representative Champika De Silva, and Gourmet Galle representative Damitha Nikapota who spoke of their respective segments.

Gourmet Galle

Gourmet Galle will be a 12-week-long gourmet festival up and down the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. A partner to the incredibly successful Galle Literary Festival, Gourmet Galle would feature dinners, afternoon tea and master classes with 13 amazing celebrity and world-renowned chefs along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. The dinners are set to take place in exquisite homes and the finest boutique hotels, carefully curated to make each weekend its own unique and incredible event.

Opera at the Anantara

The Art and Music Weekend from 19-21 January at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle promises to curate an indelible ambiance of refined creativity and immersive experiences for visitors. This is to serve as a distinguished platform, harmonising the expressions of local artists such as the Gustav Mahler orchestra and Chrisni Mendis, and international musicians such as Jorge Echeagaray, Barbara Segal, and Carlos Conde-González, showcasing their artistry and virtuosity. 

Southern Book Fair 2024 

Parallel to the Galle Literary Festival, the Commonwealth Book Publishers Network will present the Southern Book Fair from 19 to 28 January. This event is designed to bring the joy of literature closer to the people of the Southern Province, fostering a culture of learning, sharing, and acquiring literary treasures. 

Galle Literary Festival 2024 

The Galle Literary Festival that has become an annual and international event in Galle since it was founded in 2005 is also one of the most prominent literary events in the region. Over 65 renowned speakers, including Booker Prize winners, esteemed authors, poets and journalists will be present. World-renowned authors Shehan Karunatilaka, Alexander McCall Smith, Sebastian Faulks will headline the festival.

The literary event will take place over several days featuring a diverse program of events, including author talks, panel discussions, book launches, literary workshops, and cultural performances.

Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) 

The inaugural Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) will take place from 1 to 4 February. Set against the mesmerising backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Matara Fort, this celebration promises an immersive experience in contemporary art and music.