Galle Literary Festival partners with city’s iconic landmark Jetwing Lighthouse

Wednesday, 7 February 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Karan Gokani, renowned restaurateur and author of the ‘Hoppers’ cookbook

Shehan Karunathilaka, acclaimed Booker Prize winner and author of ‘The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida’ at Nihal’s restaurant during opening night

A conversation on radical fiction, featuring British journalist and author Guy Gunaratne, along with Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, award-winning author and journalist

At the Cinnamon Room, Jetwing Lighthouse, an insightful session on short stories with Amanthi Harris, renowned Sri Lankan author, Nayomi Munaweera, Sri Lankan American writer and author of ‘Island of a Thousand Mirrors’ and Chiranthi Rajapakse

At the centre, Christina Lamb, British journalist and co-author of ‘I Am Malala’ together with British historian Mary Beard on the right

A full house at the Cinnamon Room during a session featuring

Christina Lamb and Mary Beard

Indian academic and author, Radha Kumar alongside Julia Wheeler, former interviewer for BBC, journalist and author

Restaurateur, Karan Gokani with the team of chefs at Jetwing Lighthouse

Celebrated as the ‘World’s No. 1 Literary Festival’ by Harper’s Bazaar, the much-anticipated Galle Literary Festival once again graced the iconic landmark of Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse, offering an exhilarating journey of literature and culture.

Since the festival’s inception, Jetwing Lighthouse has proudly served as a partner, extending a warm welcome and steadfast support to literary luminaries from around the globe.

The opening event, Dinner and Arrack Tasting at the hotel’s signature poolside restaurant “Nihal’s”, provided a captivating experience featuring Shehan Karunathilaka, acclaimed Booker Prize winner and author of The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, alongside Karan Gokani, renowned restaurateur and author of the ‘Hoppers’ cookbook. Reflecting fondly on his visits to Jetwing Lighthouse, Gokani praised the property’s idyllic setting and captivating ambience, stating, “What’s not to love about Jetwing Lighthouse? I first came here as a tourist, when I was visiting Galle many years ago, and I came and saw this beautiful property. It’s just the way it is set, it is almost created for this location.”

Jetwing Lighthouse has had the honour of welcoming an impressive line-up of acclaimed authors and insightful speakers, including British journalist and co-author of ‘I Am Malala’, Christina Lamb, Tom Parker Bowles, Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Nayomi Munaweera, Amanthi Harris, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Mary Beard, Janice Pariat, Marguerite Richards, Sujit Sivasundaram, and Jeremy Lee. Designed by the world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, Jetwing Lighthouse encapsulates the charming essence of ‘architecture and art’ that lingers in every space, making it an ideal place to immerse in the richness of art and culture.

Nestled on a rocky promontory along the picturesque Galle shoreline, this coastal haven comprises 85 luxury rooms and themed suites, two stunning swimming pools, and breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean, offering unparalleled spaces to experience the best of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.