By: Staff Writer
December 27, Colombo (LNW): The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival is scheduled for January 17-19, 2025, curated by Mita Kapur, a prominent figure in the global literary community.
Kapur, renowned for her work with international festivals like Bhutan’s Mountain Echoes (now Bhutan Echoes) and as the founder of India’s leading literary consultancy Siyahi, brings a wealth of expertise to the event.
Her vision aligns with the festival’s mission to showcase Sri Lanka’s art and culture, amplify its soft power, and connect Sri Lanka’s rich traditions to the global stage.
The festival will emphasize cultural dialogue, featuring sessions that celebrate Sri Lanka’s heritage, from its folklore and architecture to its artistic and musical traditions. Highlighting this goal, Mita Kapur explained,
“This is about more than organizing an event—it’s about fostering connections, debates, and exchanges that reflect Sri Lanka’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Every session is crafted to inspire meaningful conversations, bridge generations, and promote powerful voices, particularly those of women who have shaped literature over time.”
Ajai Vir Singh, Co-Founder and Director of the festival, noted its role as a catalyst for positioning Sri Lanka as a dynamic hub for South Asian artistic and literary discourse.
He emphasized the importance of bridging global perspectives, adding that Mita Kapur’s experience, including her role as a former curator of the Jaipur Literature Festival, ensures a thoughtfully curated program designed to ignite impactful dialogue.
The Colombo Public Library, a venue celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, will host the festival. Symbolic of Sri Lanka’s literary and cultural heritage, the library embodies the country’s intellectual continuity.
Its democratic appeal aligns with the festival’s mission to make culture accessible while fostering youth engagement.
Fazeena Majeed Rajabdeen, Co-Founder and Director of the festival, stressed the event’s focus on empowering the next generation. “Through literature, arts, films, and creative platforms, we aim to inspire young talent to find their voices and shape Sri Lanka’s future narrative. They are the stewards of our cultural legacy,” she remarked.
The festival also reflects a collaborative effort among various partners. HSBC, as the title sponsor, underscores its commitment to cultural innovation. Dilmah Ceylon, Cinnamon Grand, The British Council, and the Goethe Institute contribute to the event’s international scope, while media partners like Wijeya Newspapers and literary contributors like Sarasavi and Hardtalk help realize the festival’s vision.. The event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Sri Lanka’s cultural richness and a platform for global artistic exchange.
