• ‘Father Cabraal’s Recipe for Love Cake’ announced as winner on 1 June

On 1 June, the literary community gathered with great anticipation for the 31st Gratiaen Prize ceremony, an event that celebrated the best in English creative writing by Sri Lankan authors. This year, amidst fierce competition, Ramya Jirasinghe’s novel ‘Father Cabraal’s Recipe for Love Cake’ emerged as the winner. The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony filled with emotion, gratitude, and reflection on the vibrant literary landscape of Sri Lanka.

The Gratiaen Prize, established by author Michael Ondaatje in 1993, has become a significant marker of literary achievement in Sri Lanka. This year’s shortlist was hailed as one of the strongest ever, featuring works that showcased the depth and diversity of Sri Lankan writing. The competition included Pasan Jayasinghe’s reflective memoir ‘A Passing Return’, Selvi Sachithanandam’s multigenerational biography ‘Gnanam – Timeless Wisdom’, Lal Medawattegedara’s satirical novel ‘When Ghosts Die’, and Vihanga Perera’s politically charged narrative ‘Students & Rebels’.

In her acceptance speech, Jirasinghe expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the immense talent of her fellow nominees. “This year had one of the strongest shortlists that Gratiaen has ever had. I was sandwiched between two winners and two very accomplished writers,” she remarked, highlighting the esteemed company she found herself in.

Jirasinghe extended her thanks to the judges for recognising her work. She quoted the acclaimed author Neil Gaiman, saying: “A writer never gets these small moments of recognition without the people who made it possible in their life.” She took the opportunity to thank those who have supported her journey, starting with her family and friends. “First, I want to thank my family and friends, who make it possible for a woman to write because, at my age, it’s so hard for a woman to find time to write.”

Reflecting on the mentors who have guided her, Jirasinghe paid tribute to figures who have had a profound influence on her writing career. “My mentors, two are no longer with us, Aloysius Ranasinghe and Ruwanthi Sivapragasam, along with Prof. Ranjini Obeysekara, Dr. Lakshmi De Silva, and Tissa Jayathilake, have all been gurus and guides for me at various times.”

She also expressed gratitude to her vibrant literary community, including fellow writers and her book club. “The very feisty bunch of readers, writers, and artists in my book club have pushed me to read books I might not have otherwise picked up, providing wonderful encouragement.”

Notably, Jirasinghe mentioned the support of author Shehan Karunathilaka, who encouraged her to submit her book despite the fear of rejection. “Shehan, in his inimitable style, gave me the courage to submit this book. He said, ‘Oh, come on, man, if you can’t handle rejection, you’re in the wrong business.’ That must be thanked for.”

Jirasinghe’s journey to publication was not easy. She recounted sending her manuscript to 20-30 agents before finding Annemarie DuPont, who believed in the book. “Having a person willing to represent the book gives a writer who doesn’t have a lot of confidence a lot of courage,” she noted.

This victory was especially poignant for Jirasinghe, who was first shortlisted for the Gratiaen Prize in 1999. “At that time, it felt very easy to get shortlisted. You write something, you throw it in, and it was shortlisted,” she reminisced. “But this time, it was almost impossible to even get longlisted. The pressure and competition were so severe.”

She credited The Gratiaen Trust for its significant role in nurturing Sri Lankan writers. “The Gratiaen Trust has played a huge role in the Sri Lankan landscape of writing. It is because of them that there are so many writers, and I think any creative writer in English in Sri Lanka has been touched by the Gratiaen in some way. I know I have.”

Jirasinghe concluded her speech with a heartfelt thank you to the Trust, acknowledging their support and contribution to her journey as a writer.

As the evening drew to a close, the audience reflected on the importance of the Gratiaen Prize in promoting and celebrating Sri Lankan literature. The event was a testament to the thriving literary culture in the country and the enduring power of storytelling.

The Gratiaen Prize, in partnership with the John Keells Foundation and supported by the British Council as its event partner, continues to inspire and elevate Sri Lankan writers.

The winning novel, ‘Father Cabraal’s Recipe for Love Cake’, is set in a tropical island fort built by a colonial trading company in the 18th century. It tells the story of a woman who makes a cake as sweet as wild honey and as unforgettable as a great love. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the interweaving of past and present through the backdrop of an insurgency, bringing history to life with vivid imagery and evocative prose.

This year’s award ceremony not only celebrated the winner but also highlighted the broader impact of the Gratiaen Prize on Sri Lankan literature. It underscored the importance of recognising and nurturing literary talent, fostering a vibrant community of writers, and bringing Sri Lankan stories to a global audience.

As Ramya Jirasinghe stood before the audience, her words resonated with aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts alike, reminding everyone of the enduring power of perseverance, community, and the written word. The Gratiaen Prize continues to be a beacon of excellence, illuminating the path for future generations of Sri Lankan writers.

PHOTOS Venura Chandramalitha