We have engaged experts and persons with experience in specific areas. We have engaged Ashok Ferrey as a curator, Fazeena Rajabdeen as a Co-Founder and Chief Creative officer and Savanthi as Festival Manager. Curating the Art aspect is
Shanila Alles
Artika Bakshi and Neluka Silva are the Curators for the Children’s Festival. There is a challenge when a progressive new platform is brought to life, hence it’s so important to mention the significance of HSBC to come in as a title partner
Sri Lanka is back in the spotlight of the literary world once again thanks to the newly launched Ceylon Literary and Art Festival which will take place from 8 - 12 February in Kandy and Colombo. Created and conceptualised by Ajai Vir Singh who owns the festival this event is being managed by a group of Sri Lankans who have professional expertise in organising major events.
With an exciting array of events lined up for literary and art aficionados, the Ceylon Literary Festival is set to win over a legion of fans with its maiden festival.
Q: How did the vision to create the Ceylon Literary and Art Festival come about?
It started 2 years ago, with an idea to establish a creative platform that showcases the creative streams of Sri Lanka. This also builds a profile for Sri Lanka among an international audience. This is also the time when Sri Lanka needs it the most as it looks to revive herself as a country. An active creative industry always helps the
cause and also shows the progressive nature of its society.
Q: Why do you think it is important that you create this platform for art, literature and culture for
Sri Lanka?
Creative industries play a huge role in a nation's development. It encourages design entrepreneurship and provides opportunities that also helps reverse brain-drain. Our focus is to enhance Sri Lanka’s soft power in the region. Globally there is a revival in creative interactions and dialogues. There is also a strong focus on this in South Asia and platforms like this can easily plug into the regional platforms.
Q: A question on most people’s minds is why does Sri Lanka need two literary festivals, especially within weeks of each other?
Well there is room for more festivals, if differentiated to add value. Infact, we studied various international festivals and brought learnings from them to enhance and create the Ceylon Literary and Art Festival. It is quite progressive and inclusive by nature and has a unique advantage.
Q: What is the USP of this arts and culture platform you have created?
The focus is on Art and Culture, with this platform seen as the one that facilitates collaboration and interaction with Sri Lankan and international authors, musicians, film makers and artists. It’s a platform that encourages interesting engaging dialogue and discussion on relevant topics. It has a strong focus on youth, school children and young talent. It is inclusive and progressive in nature.
Q: As the founder and owner of the festival what are some of the challenges you have encountered while putting this festival together?
We bring the experience of creating a strong platform like this before. Hence it’s been structured for efficiency and longevity. We have engaged experts and persons with experience in specific areas. We have engaged Ashok Ferrey as a curator, Fazeena Rajabdeen as a Co-Founder and Chief Creative officer and Savanthi as Festival Manager. Curating the Art aspect is Shanila Alles, then similarly there is a head for Music, Films and Production.
Artika Bakshi and Neluka Silva are the Curators for the Children’s Festival. There is a challenge when a progressive new platform is brought to life, hence it’s so important to mention the significance of HSBC to come in as a title partner and bring a deeper value of international expertise in fulfilling the vision. We are fortunate to have MasterCard as a main partner that complements the vision, Galle Face Hotel is the host hotel for Colombo, Hotel Suisse is the host hotel in Kandy. Dilmah as the official Ceylon Tea which globally promotes Sri Lanka experience, Innovate Books by Atlas which promotes education based programmes, Acorn Travels is the destination partner and provides support for Kandy and Colombo. British Council and Goethe Institute as the Knowledge Partners.
Q: Apart from the literary panels what other events are there for people to interact with the authors?
The Author dinners are an excellent opportunity to casually interact with authors. It is an interesting experience to get to know them beyond the books.
