Conversations on Sri Lankan English
View(s):- Await Reid Lit Chats 2025 – a dynamic student-centred platform for conversation, creativity and reflection
‘Reid Lit Chats 2025’, a two-day literary festival organised by the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo will take place on June 20 and 21 at Room 105, at the Department of English, University of Colombo.
The event will feature panel discussions, chats with authors and debates on a wide array of topics, including contemporary poetry and fiction, literary translation, children’s literature and the evolving identity of Sri Lankan English as both a linguistic and cultural identity.
Speakers for these sessions include Vivimarie Vanderpoorten, Sumathy Sivamohan, Michael Meyler, Dinali Fernando, Mahendran Thiruvarangan and Nadishka Aloysius.
By the students for the students: Colombo Uni’s team gearing up for the Lit Fest (pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara) and below, the publicity team
This year’s Gratiaen Prize winner, Savin Edirisinghe, will also be a part of this event which will have interactive events such as a Memory Walk of Colombo University with Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri, a poetry writing workshop for students by Ramya Chamalie Jirasinghe, ‘Frames of Resistance’, a screening of two films by Anomaa Rajakaruna, and ‘Reid Aloud’, an open mic night which is open to writers from all backgrounds.
“As students of the department, planning this event has been really fun! It’s incredible to witness an event of this scale come to life,” students Buddhimali, Dhyani and Sandami from the Event Planning Team said.
Added Visheli, Haritha and Inura, “As the publicity team, we’re at the heart of how Reid Lit Chats connects with students and the general public. It’s a space where our ideas, creativity and voices come alive. Beyond being part of the organizing team for a literary festival, we also get to enjoy the process and gain valuable experience. We’re truly excited to welcome everyone into this vibrant celebration of literature, learning, and fun!”
Reid Lit Chats is held with the objectives of accessibility and inclusivity. To encourage young people’s participation and foster a new generation of literary voices, ‘Reid Lit Chats 2025’ will be free for students. And, to encourage public participation, Session Passes will be priced at concessionary rates (Rs. 1000), and will include a discounted Festival Pass priced at Rs. 5000.
Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @reidlitchats for updates on the programme and information on how to register. For inquiries, please contact 0743511513 or
reidlitchats@gmail.com.
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