SL’s south coast to come under fresh focus with ‘Galle Concerto 2024’

• Six vibrant festivals in art, food, literature, and music will call for extended stays on SL’s south coast

Sri Lanka’s south coast will come under fresh focus with tourism authorities gearing up to roll out the ‘Galle Concerto 2024’.

Capitalising on the peak season,from January through March of 2024, the ‘Galle Concerto’ series will provide the much needed impetus to a symphony of heritage and contemporary festivals in art, food, literature, and music, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said.

The action packed event will entail 6 vibrant festivals in art, food, literature, and music and is scheduled to kick off from the second week of January. 

Leading Lankan and international culture makers will be headlining the events - speaking, presenting and creating on topics pertinent and inspiring to Sri Lanka & the global momentum in 2024.

The festivals are independently led, with the coming together of a ‘Concerto’ of events - organised to amplify the positive economic and touristic impact of cultural programming to host communities and the country.
The opening celebration and cultural events will be held at the Koggala Air Force Base and literary sessions will be held at the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum.

As per the statement by Sri Lanka Tourism, the idea was conceived President Ranil Wickremesinghe and supported by the Presidential Secretariat, SLTPB and SLTDA, and other ministries and local governmental bodies.
The event line up is as follows:

12 - 14 January - Rhythms of Paradise: The concerto’s opening programme will highlight Sri Lanka’s rich cultural, maritime and natural heritage focusing on drums, dance, classical and contemporary Sri Lankan literature, and biodiversity programming. The 3-day programme includes literary explorations, interactive interludes, cultural events, cinematic chronicles, workshops, excursions and exhibitions. 

13 January - 30 March - Gourmet Galle : Gorumet Galle will curate exclusive dinners and masterclasses in exotic locations on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. Inspired by locally sourced ingredients, it is a celebration of Sri Lanka food and tourism. Star chefs from London, New York, Sydney, Singapore include: Darina Allen, O Tama Carey, Karan Gokani, Mark Hix, Peter Kuruwita, Jeremy Lee, James Lowe, Rishi Neleendra, Hari Nayak, Nisha Parmar, J Ryall, Cynthia Shanmugalingam, Mandy Yin.

19 - 21 January - Opera at the Anantara: Nestled amid the resplendent beauty of pristine beaches at Anantara Peace Haven, the forthcoming art and music weekend promises to curate an indelible ambience of refined creativity and immersive experiences.

This elevated occasion is poised to serve as a distinguished platform, harmonizing the expressions of local artists such as the Gustav Mahler orchestra and Chrisni Mendis, and international musicians such as Jorge Echeagaray, Barbara Segal, and Carlos Conde-González showcasing their artistry and virtuosity. 
19 - 28 January Southern Book Fair: The inaugural Southern Book Fair marks a vibrant celebration of literature, expressing Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, nurturing the spirit of creativity and collaboration, and promoting innovation and accessibility. 

25 - 28 January - Galle Literary Festival:The 2024’s high profile line up, will see the likes of Booker Prize-winning authors, Shehan Karunatilake and DBC Pierre; decorated war correspondent, Christina Lamb, and novelists Alexander McCall Smith and Anthony Horowitz, alongside 65 participants, championing the work of writers and poets, as well as giving space to painters, photographers and cinematographers. Through associated culinary events, the Festival also highlights the excellence of local and international chefs.
1 - 4 February- Matara Festival for the Arts: The Matara Fort, the University of Ruhuna, and the Matara River Park will host exhibitions, workshops & talks, a community market, and a film screening by leading artists, notable speakers in arts and culture, and over 30 local vendors & artisans.