‘Creating a home, where every room has a story to be told’
Last year’s first edition of the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival proved an instant hit. Authors ranging from the sassy Shobhaa De to the British national treasure playwright David Hare, held court in the auditorium of the frangipani-fringed Colombo Public Library (while the ceiling fans whirred, and Colombo’s old-fashioned colonial garden city bustled outside) and while it was full of verve, fun, colour, and panache, there was also the indubitable jewel-like literary quality of a well-curated (if small) international festival…
Now in its second edition, the HSBC CLAF comes with no less than five fringe festivals- with children’s, art, film, music and youth festivals, all happening at the unpretentious public library, that grand dame who, incidentally, celebrates her century this July.
Mita Kapur: No novice at handling lit festivals
Says Ajai Vir Singh Co-Founder and Director, that the vision of the festival, is to “be a platform for arts and culture, with a specific focus on literature, art, film and music”.
“This platform has a mandate to build and enhance the soft power of Sri Lanka. It also profiles Sri Lanka positively among international audiences. There is a special focus on youth. We want to engage the next generation in arts and culture, so they are able to find opportunities in creative industries and start their journeys as design-based entrepreneurs.”
He adds that last year the international authors were “surprised that it was only the first edition!”
Fazeena Rajabdeen
Co-Founder and Director, Fazeena Rajabdeen says that this year there will be more literary sessions with award-winning authors and “a bilingual panel, a curated art exhibit, a film festival with a short film exhibition, and all sessions in an air-conditioned space.”
The children’s festival will include creative workshops, fun painting sessions and two international author events, all ‘designed to ignite creativity and imagination in young minds’.
Says Fazeena, “for young adults, we offer a free workshop with renowned international and local authors, forming part of the Future Writers programme in partnership with Dilmah. This initiative mentors participants, providing best practices and insights to support their writing journey, while giving them a platform to showcase their talents.”
“Youth engagement is further celebrated with special performances by schools, enriching the festival’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere”.
This year’s charismatic curator is Mita Kapur, the Indian journalist who with her way with words has whipped up an exquisite line-up. Asked what would be the pieces de resistance, she asserts “the entire festival is a piece de résistance.”
“Each session has been crafted with a focused attention to play out what it means to tell stories- from different parts of the world, varied cultures, portraying rich literary traditions. The sessions portray a colour palette that reflects shades of the historical past, of the ever changing present and a mystical glance at the future. It will definitely take the best of Sri Lanka to the world.”
Ajai Vir Singh
Curating a festival says Mita is “like weaving a tapestry. You want every thread to enhance the bigger picture without overwhelming it”. Her delicate task was to strike a balance between honouring the region’s literary traditions and introducing global perspectives.
The real test for Mita was to ensure each voice found its space while maintaining a cohesive narrative. But handling the logistics of organising across borders and tailoring the sessions for the Sri Lankan audience were fulfilling tasks.
There will be something for everyone, Mita assures. Each session has been designed with a unique audience in mind so whether you are a whodunit fanatic, a fan of William Dalrymple’s travels to the east’s mystique, or someone who drinks poetry like nectar- it’s ‘fun and engaging’ but with an ‘intellectual takeaway’.
Paramount in the organising team’s minds was ‘Sri Lanka’s cultural ethos’.
Mita is no novice at handling the minutiae and mind-boggling detail of a three-day festival, having been part of the Jaipur and Bhutan festivals. She says what strikes her about the Ceylon festival is its intimate yet expansive quality. This festival, given the host island’s natural beauty, literary legacy, and deep ties to storytelling traditions lend it a ‘magic’ that feels distinct from Jaipur’s grandeur or Bhutan’s magnificence.
Says Mita about the feel and atmosphere of the festival she has curated “it is like walking into a warm, open home, where every room has a story waiting to be told…”
The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival will happen at the Colombo Public Library from 17-19 January. Find out more on ceylonliteraryfestival.com.
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.