Galle Literary Festival 2025 wraps up celebrating words, culture and art

Despite yesterday afternoon’s island-wide blackout, enthusiastic readers at the GLF remained undeterred. Helpful shop assistants used flashlights to guide them as they browsed the books. 

By Tyron Devotta

The Galle Literary Festival 2025 (GLF) wrapped up yesterday, after four days of literary discussion, artistic expression, and cultural exchange that once again transformed the historic Fort into a vibrant hub of activity. 

Festival-goers from around the world gathered within the centuries-old walls to celebrate the written word, engage in thought-provoking conversations, feast on visual art and fine cuisine, and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere that makes the GLF a standout amongst world literary circuits.

For returnees to the festival, its energy would have felt noticeably different, with greater diversity and variety that explored new areas of cultural exchange. The creative energy in each event, coupled with the enthusiasm of participants, was stimulating.

From the moment of stepping into the heart of the festival, one could feel the unspoken camaraderie among book lovers, authors, and thinkers. Attendees weaved through cobbled streets, moving between intimate venues that housed discussions ranging from colonial legacies to contemporary literature, bridging historical perspectives with modern storytelling techniques. The blend of international and local authors made for a dynamic exchange of ideas, with sessions offering fresh insights and different viewpoints.

It was an opportunity for Sri Lankan writers to connect with peers. Beyond its impact on individual writers, the festival played a pivotal role in reaffirming the value of literature within Sri Lankan society. As one Sri Lankan author observed, in an era where economic pressures often steer young people towards careers in technology, business, or medicine, literature can be perceived as a luxury rather than a necessity. The GLF boldly challenges this view, driving home the indispensable role of the arts in enriching cultural and intellectual life.

According to the Sarasavi Bookshop, some of the more popular books to fly off the shelves at the GLF 2025 were ‘Brotherless Night’ and ‘Love Marriage’ by V.V. Ganeshananthan, ‘Exit Wounds’ by Leva Jusionyte, ‘Fire in Babylon’ by Simon Lister, ‘Empire World’ and ‘Empire Land’ by Sathnam Sanghera, ‘The Siege’ by Ben Macintyre, ‘Plastic Emotions’ by Shiromi Pinto born in London of Sri Lankan descent, and ‘Return to Sri Lanka’ also by British Sri Lankan author Razeen Sally.

This year’s speaker lineup was particularly compelling, with celebrated authors blending with emerging voices. A theme that surfaced within multiple sessions was the question of historical ownership in terms of artifacts and national treasures. The discussions on the return of colonial-era artifacts to their original owners sparked differing views and opinions. While some emphasised the importance of preserving artifacts in global museums for accessibility and conservation, others argued for the rightful return of these treasures to their places of origin. The festival provided a rare space for such intricate dialogues, where differing perspectives were heard, questioned, and dissected within intellectual forums.

Author dinners and intimate evening programs, such as cocktail gatherings, were masterfully orchestrated to cultivate meaningful connections among both familiar peers and newcomers. These thoughtfully curated events made for unique camaraderie, creating insightful literary bonds. 

What makes the GLF a force to reckon with in terms of soft power is that the festival is not just about books – it has evolved into a melting pot of literary, cultural, and artistic expression. Photography, and contemporary and cuisine art play a major role in the GLF, adding a visual storytelling element alongside the written word. 

The Streets of Colombo, a collective of photographers, presented an exhibition of 22 compelling images at the GLF this year at a venue called The Merchant. They held interactive photo walks that gave festival attendees the opportunity to look at the streets of Galle with fresh eyes, capturing the essence of the city through a photographer’s lens.

Held from the 6 to 8 February on mornings and evenings, the photo walks allowed attendees, both young and old enthusiasts, to traverse Galle’s bustling markets and scenic coastal paths. While some carried professional cameras, many relied on smartphones, proving that great photography is more about perspective than equipment. Guided by experienced photographers, the walks taught the art of street photography, helping participants to overcome hesitation when capturing everyday moments and interactions.

Many of the captured images were shared and discussed at The Merchant, making it a collaborative learning experience. Some participants even submitted their work for online critiquing, extending the conversation beyond the festival. The Streets of Colombo initiative was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as participants embraced the challenge of finding new perspectives in a city that has been photographed countless times.

The festival’s culinary panels offered equally compelling discussions, particularly on the way food cultures are perceived globally. One of the standout discussions explored the importance of challenging conventional perceptions in terms of diaspora cooking. The conversation delved into diaspora cooking, calling attention to the importance of redefining the way diverse food traditions should be appreciated. The passion amongst panellists was palpable, with fervent discussion on the need for a shift in mindset when it came to food recognition and cultural representation.

The Arts Trail, organised by contemporary arts magazine ARTRA, held six exhibitions showcasing established and emerging South Asian artists. Well-known contemporary artists like Ali Kazim, Tayeba Begum Lipi, and Anoli Perera presented their works, alongside Sri Lankan talents like Pushpakumara Koralagedara and Gihan de Chickera. The exhibitions explored themes ranging from the brutality of war to the beauty of nature. The Art Trail also offered artist walks and ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions, providing deeper insights into the creative processes behind the works.

The inclusion of Arts Trail, the Gourmet Festival, and visual storytelling through photography added new layers of engagement to the festival, allowing visitors to experience creativity beyond the written word. Whether through evocative art installations, culinary experiences, or captured moments of daily life, the GLF lived up to its reputation of being a celebration of narratives in all their forms.

As the festival wrapped up, it left a clear message – that it is more than just an event. It is a meeting place for the curious and the passionate, to express and learn the power of storytelling, be it through words, images, colours, or Flavors. First-time visitors or long-time attendees, everyone takes back something: a new book, a fresh perspective, a striking photograph, a symphony of tastes, or simply the lingering magic of conversations exchanged.

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