• How Colombo comes alive with the arts 

Colombo has always been beaming with artistic expression. From the paintings in galleries to meet and greets with authors, those of us who love the arts are always excited to explore our own creative possibilities.  “It is important to increase Sri Lanka’s influence in the region through literature, arts, music, theatre and film as it serves the purpose of building confidence in the creativity we have,” the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival Director and Co-founder Ajay Vir Singh, said at a press conference announcing Edition 3 of the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival’ noting that while Sri Lankan art has been recognised both locally and globally, its impact on the world stage has not been as significant. “We need to showcase ‘Why Sri Lanka’ to the world,” Singh said. 

And with this aim of showcasing the best of our country’s talent to the world, the Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival will feature prominent local authors, artists and creatives such as Shyam Selvadurai, Nayomi Apsara and Eshan Goonesekara.  “There are so many talented and hard working Sri Lankans in the arts and entertainment industry that deserve good recognition,” Trustee at the Rukmini Tissanayagam Trust which is a partner in the festival, Indhu Selvarathnam, said. 

Edition 3

Selvarathnam added that arts festivals such as the Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival, would not only foster recognition and promote Sri Lankan arts and literature but would also help the international community appreciate our cultural heritage and talent. “While the festival has had a large number of local visitors over the years, there is also a significant amount of foreign visitors eager to experience the festival and the Sri Lankan arts scene. 

Beyond recognition, the festival also plays a crucial role in creating dialogue between local and international creatives. By bringing together writers, artists, performers and audiences in one space, it allows for an exchange of ideas that goes beyond borders, cultures and genres. 

Over the course of three days, attendees can expect panel discussions, readings, performances, workshops and informal conversations that invite both experienced literary enthusiasts and curious newcomers to engage with the arts in an accessible way. The programme spans literature, visual arts, music, theatre and film, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of creativity.

For many Sri Lankan writers and artists, festivals such as this provide rare opportunities to share platforms with global voices. It also offers audiences a chance to experience international perspectives without leaving the comfort of Colombo. 

A global literary presence

One of the festival’s major attractions this year is its lineup of internationally acclaimed authors, whose presence signals Sri Lanka’s growing relevance on the global literary circuit. Among them is Julia Quinn, the bestselling author best known for her Bridgerton series, which was adapted into the popular Netflix show we know today. 

Quinn’s participation has generated considerable excitement, particularly among younger readers and fans of contemporary romance fiction. Her visit highlights how popular literature, often dismissed as light reading, plays a powerful role in shaping reading cultures and expanding audiences.

“I know a lot of people are excited about this segment and we expect the talks to sell out fast,” Singh said. 

Her sessions are expected to explore the craft of storytelling, character development and the journey from page to modern day streaming platforms, offering insight into the modern publishing landscape. 

In addition to Quinn, the festival will host a range of international writers, thinkers and performers  such as Edith Hall, Katherine May and Karissa Chen. Their participation reinforces the idea that Sri Lanka is not merely consuming global culture but actively contributing to it.

Creating space for conversation

What sets the festival apart is its emphasis on conversation rather than spectacle. Panels often tackle complex themes such as identity, migration, language, postcolonial narratives and the politics of art,  topics that resonate deeply within Sri Lanka’s social and historical context.

“One such segment is an exploration into the work of Nicolas Bouvier, a Swiss photographer who visited Sri Lanka and based his book ‘The Scorpion Fish’ on his experiences in the country,” Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dr. Siri Walt, said. 

Bouvier’s work, while controversial for its Orientalist views, remains largely popular across the world. 

The inclusion of visual arts, music and performance further broadens the festival’s appeal. Art exhibitions, live performances and collaborative showcases ensure that creativity is experienced not just intellectually but in a sensory environment. 

Colombo as a cultural city

The festival’s location in Colombo is also significant. As a city shaped by layers of history, colonial influence and modern creativity, Colombo provides a fitting backdrop for conversations about art and identity. 

Events like the HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival contribute to redefining the city as more than a commercial capital, positioning it instead as a space for cultural exchange and creative expression.

“Literature and Arts Festivals not only bring in an appreciation for the arts but also a great amount of foreign visitors, contributing to the local economy,” Singh said. “This will not only benefit the country but also those in the arts and culture sector, who want to take their work out into the world.” 

For younger creatives, particularly those navigating limited institutional support, the festival offers visibility and encouragement. Seeing Sri Lankan authors and artists share stages with international figures reinforces the idea that their voices belong in global conversations.

At a time when creative industries face financial and structural challenges, festivals like this serve as reminders of the value of storytelling and artistic expression. They remind us that literature and the arts are not luxuries but essential tools for reflection, empathy and cultural development. 

In celebrating creativity in all its forms, the festival continues to ask an important question: not just why Sri Lanka, but what Sri Lanka has to say to the world.