The Gratiaen Trust, in collaboration with the John Keells Foundation, revealed the recipient of the 33rd Gratiaen Prize during a lively event celebrating literary achievement at The Studio, Cinnamon Life in the City of Dreams, Sri Lanka. This year witnessed an unprecedented number of submissions, with Visakesa Chandrasekaram awarded the prize for their remarkable work, The Son and the Lover. The announcement followed a meticulous selection process that showcased the richness and creativity of contemporary Sri Lankan writing in English.
This year’s shortlist featured several notable titles, including @#$%!Daham by Aneesha Ansar, Dear Father; The Refugee by Alan de Costa, God, Bangles and a Constitution by Anuththara Ekeli, In the Curve of the Smile by Uvini Atukorala, and The Son and the Lover by Visakesa Chandrasekaram.
The judging panel was chaired by V. V. Ganeshananthan, a celebrated author whose novel Brotherless Night won the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction. The panel also included Dinidu Karunanayake, an Assistant Professor of English at Elon University, and Azara Jaleel, the Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine.
Ganeshananthan commented on the winning piece, stating, “The Son and the Lover resonated with the jury due to its profound intimacy, beauty, and courage. Visakesa Chandrasekaram’s insightful portrayal of the bond between two men stands alongside the finest in Sri Lankan literature: it is imaginatively bold, visually stunning, and emotionally sincere. We applaud him for this work, which challenges us to reflect on the nature of love and the concepts of freedom and home. The Son and the Lover not only delivers compelling writing but also requires engaged reading from us and from a global audience.”
Upon receiving the accolade, Chandrasekaram expressed gratitude to the Gratiaen Prize jury and the Trust’s trustees, as well as to fellow writers for their continued storytelling. He thanked his family and friends for their support, noting, “I am immensely proud to stand here as a gay man. Isn’t it remarkable that I can say that? However, I exist in a protective bubble created by my social standing and profession, and many in my community are not as fortunate. The outdated colonial laws that restrict our expressions of love loom over us like the Sword of Damocles.”
Chandrasekaram further lamented the repeated promises from various political factions to repeal these oppressive laws, which they have continuously postponed, citing other pressing issues. “Our lives are significant. Each year, month, and week that passes allows our community to live in fear of losing their livelihoods, homes, freedom, and even their lives. We must continue sharing our stories until it becomes undeniable that our narratives are numerous and our presence is substantial. Thank you, and Happy Pride.”
In his keynote address, Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Chairperson of the Gratiaen Trust, reflected on the Trust’s 33-year legacy, stating, “Since 1992, the Gratiaen Prize has transcended mere recognition; it has become a catalyst for cultural growth. On behalf of the Trust, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all authors who submitted their works this year; your willingness to share your narratives is crucial for sustaining our literary culture. We especially honor our winner, Visakesa Chandrasekaram, whose extraordinary work triumphed in a highly competitive year. We have progressed from solely acknowledging excellence to actively fostering it, bridging local stories with global publishing standards.”
Carmeline Jayasuriya, representing John Keells Foundation as the primary sponsor, remarked, “We believe that a strong and cohesive society is built on the celebration of its diverse identities. The record number of submissions this year clearly reflects the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit of our writers, highlighting the potential of Sri Lanka’s creative industries to empower both artists and society at large. We remain dedicated to providing a platform that ensures our creative talents are recognized both domestically and internationally.”
The award ceremony took place at Cinnamon Life, which serves as the official venue for the winners’ announcement. Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, expressed that their collaboration with the Gratiaen Prize aligns with their vision of Cinnamon Life as a space for creativity and ambition. “We are proud to partner with a platform that not only celebrates talent but also uncovers it at its budding stage, where the most compelling stories originate.”
The Gratiaen Trust has established long-term partnerships with organizations such as the British Council, Marga Institute, Sarasavi, Wijeya Group of Newspapers, and the Sunday Times. For more information about the Gratiaen Trust, please visit www.gratiaen.com.
The Gratiaen Prize was founded by Michael Ondaatje in 1992, utilizing the funds from his Booker Prize win for The English Patient. Today, it remains the premier award for English creative writing in Sri Lanka, inspiring writers and keeping Sri Lankan storytelling vibrant and respected on a global scale.
Pictured are V. V. Ganeshananthan, Lead Jury and Author; Amendra Haputhanthri, Director, Sarasavi Bookshop; 33rd Gratiaen Prize Winner Visakesa Chandrasekaram; Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Chairperson of the Gratiaen Trust; Dinidu Karunanayake, Assistant Professor of English at Elon University; Azara Jaleel, Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine; and Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR and Senior Assistant Vice President at John Keells Holdings PLC.
Image Caption: Dinidu Karunanayake, Assistant Professor of English at Elon University; British High Commissioner H.E. Andrew Patrick; V. V. Ganeshananthan, Lead Jury and Author; Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR and Senior Assistant Vice President at John Keells Holdings PLC; Winner of the 33rd Gratiaen Prize, Visakesa Chandrasekaram; Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Chairperson of the Gratiaen Trust; Sunethra Dias Bandaranaike; Azara Jaleel, Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
