When the lit buzz hit Galle Fort

By Sashini Rodrigo

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It’s time to stock up on books: Young FGLF enthusiasts browsing the bookshop

The unmistakable smell of salt in the air greets you as you enter the Galle Fort. This is aside from the feeling that you’ve stepped into a different time. Rooted in its rich history, the Fort is redolent of tales of a once bustling port that was the centre of activities of the Dutch empire. This year, it shared more stories – of ‘Racing Demons’, murderers, Italian sons- in-law and the renowned James Bond himself with an eager public.

In its tenth year, the Fairway Galle Literary Festival, that opened on Wednesday January 16, saw the Fort buzzing with activity and a cluster of artistic delights. The panel of participants at FGLF was a vibrant eclectic mix with some notable names: Sir David Hare, Sir Don McCullin, Anthony Horowitz, Anne Enright, Kamila Shamsie, Mohammed Hanif, Rachel Johnson, Romesh Gunesekera, Nandana Sen, Bachi Karkaria, Nicole May, Justine Picardie, Herve le Tellier, Vahni Capildeo to name just a few. Be it the excursions- exploring the artistic and architectural marvels of Galle, panel discussions, musical performances, literary workshops, culinary sessions and even a virtual reality installation exploring the world of Kafka’s Metamorphosis, the 2019 edition of the festival has a varied programme.

Just as was its aim, it has attracted visitors from all across the globe.

The opening ceremony of the 2019 edition of the festival on Wednesday evening was not only a celebration, it was also a reminiscence of ten years, building a connection between creative ideas and the community. It brought with it a message that literature helps the world see beyond the wall which it has built around itself.

Addressing those present, in a marquee packed to the edges, Festival Curator Jill McDonald dived into the early days, when the fest was first launched by hotelier and entrepreneur Geoffrey Dobbs back in 2006.

She explains that it was held for the first time in 2007 with the intention of reviving the Southern Province with an infusion of creativity after the devastating tsunami of 2004.

In 2015, the festival’s baton was taken over by Fairway Holdings, which became the event’s title sponsor.

Festival Curator Jill McDonald and Festival Director Sunela Samaranayake speak at the launch

“A literary festival like no other, in a land like no other,” was how Festival Director Sunela Samaranayake rightfully described the programme. Indeed, over the years the festival has evolved into a looked forward to literary event in this part of the world. But it’s not just that alone. The festival has also provided a platform for both local as well as foreign literary works to be appreciated internationally and this year was no different.

As Sunela notes, the sponsors, despite not deriving a direct benefit from the event, have made every effort to focus the spotlight on Sri Lanka and in turn, Galle.

“I’m positive that something wonderful is going to happen. Tonight and the days to follow are for making memories,” she said.

The Fairway Galle Literary Festival 2019 ends this afternoon after four full days of artistic exploration.

Please see Page 3 for interview with British author Anthony Horowitz

Snapshots from Day 1 of FGLF