HSBC presents Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival in February

• A celebration of literature, arts, and culture, to be held from 8 to 12 February in Colombo and Kandy 
• An initiative to cast a global spotlight on Sri Lanka’s vibrant creative industries and encourage their growth and expansion

HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Surgenor

British Council Sri Lanka Director Orlando Edwards

The first ever Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is set to take place from 8 to 12 February 2024 in the heritage city of Kandy and the capital city Colombo. The festival will showcase Sri Lanka’s creative sectors both locally and internationally, and look to encourage dialogue, initiate exchange of ideas, and create collaborative opportunities. HSBC, as the title sponsor, is committed to enable international exposure and recognition for art and culture in Sri Lanka. 

HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Surgenor said: “Through our partnership, our ambition is to bring the “Best of the World’’ in the sphere of literature, art and culture to our clients at the upcoming Ceylon Literary and Art Festival. As the leading international Bank in Sri Lanka, we look forward to providing our clients with an opportunity to interact with a diverse line-up of renowned international and local authors, artists and film-makers. We also hope through this Festival we would be able to showcase the “Best of Sri Lanka” to the world, by enabling local authors and artists in Sri Lanka to feature their great work.” 

Sri Lanka has been emerging resiliently from a period of challenges and the Festival aims to further transform and elevate the country’s literary and creative landscape, while turning a spotlight on the country’s rich cultural heritage, scenic environment and reposition the island as an attractive destination for travellers, and a promising frontier for investors and new stakeholders.

Historically and culturally significant, the cities of Colombo and Kandy provide the ideal backdrop for the Festival, that would feature a diverse lineup of both Sri Lankan and international authors, artists, film-makers and creatives.

The chief curator for the Festival, Ashok Ferrey will be overseeing the Festival’s literary offerings applying his experience as an author and his deep understanding of Sri Lankan literature and culture, as well as his international acclaim.

British Council Sri Lanka Director Orlando Edwards said: “The Ceylon Literary Festival will be a great meeting of leading writers from across the globe which we hope will engage young people and cultivate a love for reading and learning by exposing them to diverse literary voices. We are committed to providing a platform for emerging artists and creatives, fostering an environment that sparks and sustains a lasting passion for literature and the arts among younger generations.  It’s also a great opportunity to stimulate a deeper understanding of both Sri Lanka and the UK’s rich literary heritage.”

Central to the Festival’s mission is the engagement of Sri Lanka’s youth. By providing a nurturing ground for young, aspiring artists and creatives, the event is dedicated to stirring and sustaining an interest in the creative arts among the youth. Interactive workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship programs are integral parts of the Festival’s agenda.

The Festival is designed to be accessible, with a range of activities and experiences tailored to cater to diverse audiences. It is a celebration of creativity that is open and welcoming to all.

The full event program will be released early January with all details.

For more information, visit www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com or follow us on Instagram, @ceylonliteraryfestival.