The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival has announced the launch of the third edition of its Future Writers Program, underscoring its ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of Sri Lankan creative talent. This announcement coincides with a major achievement for the program: Savin Edirisinghe, the winner of the inaugural edition, has been awarded the 32nd Gratiaen Prize, making him one of the youngest recipients of this esteemed literary honor.
The Future Writers Program serves as a cornerstone of the festival, focusing on the development of young creative minds in Sri Lanka. The competition highlights the festival’s dedication to fostering youth development and encouraging creative thinking among the country’s emerging writers, aligning with its broader mission to promote Sri Lanka’s soft power through literature.
Ajai Vir Singh, Co-Founder and Creator of the Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival, commented, “We look forward to the third edition of the Future Writers Program as an extension of the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival. This initiative is not just about discovering talent; it’s about nurturing and fostering a literary legacy. Investing in the future of creativity, innovation, and cultural enrichment for Sri Lanka is at the heart of our mission. We are thrilled to see the winner of our first edition, Savin, be awarded this accolade.”
Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka, added, “We congratulate Savin Edirisinghe on winning the Gratiaen Prize. Through the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival, now entering its third year in Colombo, HSBC is supporting Sri Lanka’s creative future. The festival provides a platform to nurture the next generation of storytellers and cultural leaders like Savin, who will help shape the nation’s literary landscape.”
Savin Edirisinghe, a Sri Lankan writer and storyteller, gained national recognition when his debut collection, Kata Katha, won the 32nd Gratiaen Prize—the country’s most prestigious annual literary award for creative writing. Edirisinghe will also participate as a panelist at this year’s festival.
Reflecting on his achievements, Edirisinghe said, “I am deeply honored to have received the Gratiaen Prize, one of the highest awards in the Sri Lankan literary world. Winning the Future Writers Program provided invaluable mentorship that helped shape my journey as a writer. I wish this year’s Future Writers all the best.”
The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival is scheduled to return for its third edition from February 13–15, 2026. With over 200 participants so far, the next edition of the Future Writers Program will be announced at the festival, inviting all young literary enthusiasts to participate. For more information and to book festival passes, visit www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com.
Image Caption: From left: HSBC Sri Lanka CEO Mark Surgenor, first-edition Future Writers Program winner Savin Edirisinghe, and HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival Co-Founder and Creator Ajai Vir Singh reaffirm the festival’s commitment to nurturing young writers through the Future Writers Program, as Edirisinghe is recognised for winning the 32nd Gratiaen Prize.
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