The English Writers Collective of Sri Lanka (EWC) has unveiled Channels 2026, the newest installment of its annual anthology featuring short stories, poetry, and essays by both established and emerging writers from the nation.
“The EWC has consistently highlighted the significance of authentic storytelling. Our yearly competition uncovers an extraordinary range of untapped talent from across Sri Lanka, and we are excited to honor these remarkable individuals and provide them the extensive readership they rightfully deserve,” stated Chairperson Keerthi Wijekulasuriya.
Established over thirty years ago, the EWC aims to nurture and promote creative writing in English, serving as an essential platform for writers to develop their craft.
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Through its annual publication, Channels, the collective continues to showcase the diverse and evolving viewpoints of Sri Lankan authors, bringing new voices into the spotlight of the country’s literary scene.
This edition highlights exceptional creative abilities identified through the EWC’s annual writing competition.
This year’s judging panel included Sakuntala Sachithanandan and M T L Ebell for the Prose category, while Nelani Goonawardena and Himangi Jayasundere evaluated submissions in Poetry.
Participants’ entries underwent a meticulous judging process, beginning with a blind evaluation where each judge independently scored submissions based on established criteria. Feedback was provided to long-listed writers to help enhance their work before the final short lists and winners were determined.
The competition winners were awarded cash prizes for their exceptional contributions. Moh Afdhaal received the top prize for Prose, while Sureshika Piyasena was awarded first place in Poetry. Venessa Andrea Nugara and Shawn Mark Ramoo shared the second position in Prose, with Maryam Ismath Hussain and Priyanka Holsinger jointly securing third place. In the Poetry category, Sukanti Iyne Husain and Michelle Angelina tied for second place, while Fathima Bushra Abdul Mannan claimed third.
“At this moment, you cannot predict which line or poem you submitted, or which courageous act of sharing your personal thoughts will resonate with someone decades from now. You are unaware of who your audience is and whose life you might transform, perhaps even your own… This is the essence of what the English Writers’ Collective represents and has done for a long time. It can be easy to perceive a writers’ collective merely as a publication or a competition. However, it serves as a framework for courage… For many years, Channels has been one of the rare platforms where both emerging and established writers can share pages as equals, united by the fundamental qualification of having penned something genuine,” commented Chief Guest Vivimarie VanderPoorten.
All winners, along with the talented writers featured in the prestigious short and long lists, are proudly showcased in Channels 2026.
Co-editors Pia Hatch and Darika Ellawala expressed their enthusiasm for the latest volume, stating, “Editing Channels 2026 has been a demanding yet profoundly inspiring experience. We are thrilled to provide numerous new writers the opportunity to see their work in print and are proud of our EWC members who engaged in a thorough peer review process to ensure that Channels reflects our finest efforts. This volume is a rich tapestry of voices, styles, and themes that embodies the true vibrancy of contemporary Sri Lankan literature.”
For readers and literary enthusiasts interested in obtaining a copy, Channels 2026 will be available for purchase at the Perera Hussein Publishing House during the Colombo International Book Fair, as well as at Vijitha Yapa Bookshop on 5th Lane, The Jam Fruit Tree Publications, and Kalaya in Pelawatte.
