HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival brings soft power to Colombo

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof

The second edition of the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival commenced yesterday at the Colombo Public Library with a vibrant cultural dance performance by the senior dance troupe of Bishop’s College, Colombo. 

The event continued with a brief five-minute opening address by the newly appointed Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof. In his speech, the Governor praised the organisers for hosting such events in the province, emphasising their significant role in enhancing the “soft power” of its people.  This big-ticket literary festival which has 50 speakers and promises 32 scintillating literary sessions, took off with Ameena Hussein’s interview on “Stories We Live: Fiction Meets Reality.” Following this, acclaimed Indian author Kiran Desai, winner of the 2006 Booker Prize for ‘The Inheritance of Loss,’ engaged in a compelling conversation with Sri Lankan writer Ashok Ferrey. The day’s highlight was a 35-minute session with international author Diana R. Chambers, who discussed her historical fiction bestseller ‘The Secret War of Julia Child’ with Ameena Hussein.

 Chambers’ novel, published in 2024, explores the untold story of Julia Child’s time as an OSS operative during World War II, charting her journey through the remote frontlines of Ceylon, India, and China. Titled Spies, Lies, and Soufflés, the discussion brought history and intrigue to life for an engaged audience.

On the sidelines of the event, HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival Co-Founder/Director Ajai Vir Singh emphasised the importance of leveraging soft power to build Sri Lanka’s profile through art and culture. Building on the success of Colombo Fashion Week, which has promoted fashion and design for 22 years, the team created this new platform to highlight literature, art, music, and film, with literature comprising 60-70% of the focus.

The aim, Singh says, is to position Sri Lanka as a cultural hub, similar to how Europe attracts tourists through its museums, galleries, and creative industries. A thriving cultural sector not only boosts tourism but also instils confidence in investors, signalling a vibrant and secure environment for business.

“The Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival thrives on collaboration with like-minded partners who share its vision of cultural exchange and creative empowerment. HSBC, for instance, aligns perfectly with the festival’s goal of bringing global excellence to Sri Lanka while showcasing Sri Lanka’s best to the world. Similarly, Dilmah supports storytelling through its partnership of the Future Writers Program,” says Singh.

“The John Keells Foundation, with its focus on promoting art as a form of expression, backs the festival’s art pillar. Together, these partnerships underscore the festival’s role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s creative economy and cultural identity,” Singh says.

HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival Co-Founder and Director Fazeena Rajabdeen shares a passionate vision of fostering a robust creative ecosystem in Sri Lanka. She says, building on their experience of running the Colombo Fashion Week, the festival aims to make an impact across literature, art, music, and film.

Rajabdeen says, a core initiative focused on, the Future Writers Program, at the three-day event focuses on empowering young writers by providing mentorship and knowledge exchange with renowned international and Sri Lankan authors. The inaugural program in Kandy received an encouraging 139 entries, underscoring the potential to engage and inspire the next generation. Plans are underway to expand workshops beyond Colombo to regions like Kandy and Jaffna, ensuring broader access and representation.

This year marks a milestone with the festival hosting its first trilingual panel, affirming its commitment to inclusivity and diverse storytelling. The organisers emphasise the importance of educating youth on the opportunities within the creative industries, fostering a sense of hope and potential in their future.

Now in its second year, the festival has ambitious goals of becoming South Asia’s premier literary event and one of the best globally. By addressing community needs, advocating for creative avenues, and amplifying voices through a collaborative approach, the festival seeks to enhance Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and elevate its profile on the international stage.

The HSBC Ceylon Literary festival features a diverse range of interviews, conversations, and workshops with literary luminaries from Sri Lanka and beyond. The visual arts program, Semi-Autobiography, curated by Pramod Weerasekera in association with the John Keells Foundation, showcases works by 16 contemporary Sri Lankan artists. This compelling exhibition extends the concept of autobiography into visual art, exploring how personal histories are remembered and transformed into powerful visual narratives.

The festival’s music lineup featured performances by Lasi the Violinist and the elegant Kalinga Narthanam by Srinatyalakshana Kshetra. For younger audiences, the children’s festival offered workshops like Banksy-Inspired Art on Canvas and History Remix: Rewrite the Past, designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking among children aged 6-15

With its rich tapestry of literature, art, and culture, the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival continues to position itself as a premier event in Sri Lanka, fostering creativity and cross-cultural dialogue in a celebration of the written and visual arts.