The Galle Literary Festival is an annual literary festival held in the historic coastal town of Galle, Sri Lanka. It was first established in 2005 and has since become one of the most prominent literary events in the region. The festival typically takes place over several days and features a diverse program of events, including author talks, panel discussions, book launches, literary workshops, and cultural performances.
Founding (2005): The Galle Literary Festival was founded by Geoffrey Dobbs, a British expatriate living in Sri Lanka. Dobbs, along with a group of literary enthusiasts and writers, envisioned the festival as a platform to celebrate literature and foster cultural exchange.
Early Years: The festival gained attention quickly for its unique blend of international and local literary talent. It attracted renowned authors, poets, journalists, and intellectuals from around the world. The festival provided a space for participants to engage in meaningful conversations about literature, society, and the arts.
Venue: The festival takes place in and around the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture. The historic setting adds to the charm of the event, offering a unique backdrop for the literary gatherings.
Diversity of Participants: Over the years, the Galle Literary Festival has featured a diverse array of participants, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and emerging voices in literature. The festival’s inclusive approach has contributed to its success and popularity.
Themes and Topics: Each year, the festival explores various themes and topics, addressing current issues, literary trends, and cultural developments. The program typically includes discussions on fiction, non-fiction, poetry, travel writing, and more.
Community Engagement: Beyond the main events, the festival often engages with the local community through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and partnerships with local schools. This helps promote a love for literature and encourages reading among a wider audience.
Evolution: Over the years, the Galle Literary Festival has evolved and adapted to changing literary landscapes. It continues to draw both established and emerging writers, fostering a sense of community among literary enthusiasts.
The Galle Literary Festival has played a crucial role in putting Sri Lanka on the literary map and has become a significant cultural event in the country. It provides a platform for meaningful discussions, cultural exchange, and the celebration of literature in a beautiful and historic setting.
The Galle Literary Festival will be held from 25 to 28 January 2024 in partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).
Once again, a stellar lineup of international authors and lecturers will grace the occasion. The 11th edition of the Festival, aimed at inviting readers and intellectuals from all over the world, will honor literary brilliance on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Discussions on everything from cricket to crime novels, philosophy to cultural identity, will be enhanced by a star-studded lineup. Booker Prize-winning writers Shehan Karunatilake and DBC Pierre; esteemed war correspondent Christina Lamb, along with co-author and subject of her award-winning book, The Girl from Aleppo, Nujeen Mustafa; novelist and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz; writer and intellectual Andrey Kurkov from Ukraine; and celebrated author Alexander McCall Smith, who has authored over 119 books, are among the speakers.
The program welcomes readers of all ages and interests, and it offers activities and workshops for younger visitors. Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Nizrana Farook, and Jasbinder Bilan are among the speakers at the Children’s Festival. The Festival will feature numerous writers from the diaspora in recognition of the richness and diversity of Sri Lankan writing in English.
In 2024, the Festival will expand upon its prior iterations, providing writers, poets, and artists with a singular stage. The Art Trail is back with a strollable exhibition of modern art. Gourmet Galle, a parallel series of culinary events that highlights top chefs and local cuisine, will complement literary lunches presented by speakers in heritage buildings, as well as Tea and Poetry. A breakout day in Jaffna adds variety to the itinerary.
The Galle Literary Festival was last held in 2019. It returns in 2024 with a renewed vision in partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). The Festival’s airline partner is SriLankan Airlines.
The Festival is a celebration of the creative arts that supports poets and authors while also providing a platform for painters, photographers, and filmmakers. The Festival, which takes place mainly within the walls of the historic Galle Fort, is deeply rooted in community. Originally constructed by the Portuguese, the Fort was later expanded by the Dutch and British and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Galle Fort’s cobblestone alleys, hotels, and terracotta-roofed homes graciously welcome local and foreign guests to congregate for a long weekend meant to inspire, educate, and entertain in the Galle Fort which is now home to one of the island’s most diversified populations.
