Galle Literary Festival celebrates triumphant 12th Edition

The best Galle Lit Fest I have ever attended - much the most provocative with fascinating comments like machine gun fire daily… It was a more alive and exploratory crowd and taboos were annihilated - a different spirit of enquiry was raging and an insistence on truth and also reconciliation - Seasoned attendee, journalist and author Charlotte Breese

• With over 5,500 tickets sold, GLF reaffirms Galle’s place on the literary map

The Galle Literary Festival concluded its most impactful edition yet, held from 6 to 9 February when thousands of literary enthusiasts flocked to venues in and around Galle Fort, drawn by an extraordinary lineup of speakers and a diverse program of over 150 talks, workshops, and entertainment events. This resulted in a significant surge in visitor engagement, with nearly all scheduled events selling out and many talks filled to capacity.

The festival featured a high-profile cast of local and international authors, including prize-winning fiction writers, celebrated historians, renowned broadcasters, and talented illustrators.

Among the most popular interviews were Shyam Selvadurai in conversation with Ameena Hussein about his latest book Mansions of the Moon and VV Ganeshananthan discussing her Women’s Prize-winning book, Brotherless Night, who were both seen signing books to huge queues following their sessions. Heavy-hitting subjects also proved popular, with talks such as The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics with Adam Rutherford, A New Wave of Democracy in South Asia? with Daniel Alphonsus, Peter Frankopan and Razeen Sally and Connecting Cultures: The Art of Literary Translation with Michael Hofmann, Rashmika Mandawala and Aube Rey Lescure, witnessing packed-out venues.

Beyond the literary discussions, the festival hosted a thriving market of Sri Lankan products and a diverse programme of performances, from community theatre to cultural dance, on the Garden Stage at the heart of the market. The popular annual Literary Lunches and Dinners were a sellout along with the Children’s Programme and all workshops, demonstrating room for additional fringe events in future editions.

Romesh Gunesekera, a visiting speaker, shared his appreciation for the Festival said: “GLF never fails to give me a lift in this troubling world. Apart from the magnetism of Galle, the chance for unexpected conversations, new ideas, and surprise encounters makes it a moment to be treasured. All thanks to a dedicated team who do the magic of bringing us together.”

With a total of 5,610 tickets issued, the organisers are confident that the Galle Literary Festival has delivered a substantial economic boost to Galle and Sri Lanka, benefiting everyone from suppliers and vendors to transport providers, local hotels, tourism operators, and the businesses of Galle Fort. Extensive coverage across social media and international media outlets, along with the Festival’s digital marketing eff orts (an organic reach of over one million impressions), has once again showcased Sri Lanka as an unparalleled destination for cultural tourism.

Seasoned attendee, journalist and author, Charlotte Breese said: “The best Galle Lit Fest I have ever attended - much the most provocative with fascinating comments like machine gun fire daily. It was a more alive and exploratory crowd and taboos were annihilated - a different spirit of enquiry was raging and an insistence on truth and also reconciliation”

The Festival extends its sincere thanks to all the authors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees whose contributions made this year’s event a resounding success. With the bar set high, organisers are already looking ahead to the 2026 Galle Literary Festival and promise an even more dynamic experience. Stay tuned for details and dates, which will be announced soon.

Since its launch in 2007, Galle Literary Festival, founded by Geoffrey Dobbs, has become one of the most anticipated arts and culture events in South Asia. A favourite among authors and attendees alike, the Festival hosts a wide variety of talks, workshops and exhibitions in an intimate, historic setting.

A celebration of the creative arts, the Festival champions the work of writers and poets, including painters, photographers and cinematographers. Through associated culinary events, GLF also highlights the excellence of local and international chefs.

Held largely within the walls of the centuries-old Galle Fort, the Festival has a strong sense of community at its heart. A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the Fort is home to one of the island’s most diverse communities. Its cobbled streets and terracotta-roofed houses generously invite local and international visitors to gather for a long weekend intended to inspire, educate and entertain.

Galle Literary Festival 2025 is held in partnership with: Asia Securities (Gold Partner), International Distilleries Ltd (Beverage Partner), Commercial Bank (Session Partner), Heritance Hotels (Opening Night Partner), Damn Fine (Coffee Partner), High Commission of Australia (Session Author Partner),  Phoenix (Furniture Partner), Sarasavi Bookshop (Bookshop Partner), CMG (Broadcasting Partner),  Wijeya Newspapers (Print Media Partner), Cadmenn (Merchandise Partner), The Chatham Collection (Premium Hospitality Partner), Radisson Collection (Premium Hospitality Partner), Closenberg (Premium Hospitality Partner), Otherland (Lounge Partner), Stick No Bills (Offi cial Creative Partner), Embassy of Switzerland (Session Partner), iDiscover (Session and Creative Partner), Sunera Foundation (Session Partner), When In Galle (Venue Partner), Chamber Music Society Colombo (Partner), Dutch Gallery (Furniture Partner), Anantara - Tangalle (International Press Partner) with special thanks to Sunethra Bandaranaike and Heather Christiansen.