HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival Announces Second Edition

A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Youth Empowerment, 17th – 19th January 2025

The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival is set to return for its second edition from January 17-19, 2025. Building on the success of its inaugural launch, the festival aims to further establish itself as a premier art and culture platform, enhancing Sri Lanka's soft power on the global stage.

Last year's festival saw an impressive turnout featuring 44 authors, both local and international, and offered cleverly themed, curated sessions that resonated with the audience. This year, the festival aims to build on its success, creating an even more engaging and impactful experience for 2025.

Focusing on innovation and the future of creative industries, the festival provides much-needed support for emerging local talent by fostering creative entrepreneurship, reversing the brain drain, and creating new opportunities for Sri Lankans in the arts sector. Serving as a showcase for Sri Lanka internationally, the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival builds the nation's profile in art and culture. Presenting a vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape aims to attract tourists and build confidence among investors, highlighting Sri Lanka's positive momentum despite recent challenges.

The core of the festival's mission remains its commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative minds. The Future Writers program, introduced in the previous edition, received an overwhelming response and will continue to be a cornerstone of the event. This initiative opens doors for aspiring writers and fosters creative entrepreneurship, offering hope for the future of Sri Lanka's creative industries.

The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival centers around a creative platform that highlights Sri Lanka's cultural essence. It places a primary emphasis on literature, complemented by art, music, and film. This multidisciplinary approach aims to create a comprehensive cultural experience for all attendees.

A pivotal objective of the organizers is to spotlight Sri Lanka to international audiences, portraying it as a country with a dynamic and vibrant society. This approach aims to enhance the nation's allure for both travellers and investors, contributing to the country's ongoing positive momentum.

As Sri Lanka continues to emerge from recent challenges, the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival stands as a testament to the country's resilience and creative spirit. By bringing together artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers, this cultural celebration showcases Sri Lankan talent and positions the nation as a dynamic and vibrant society on the global stage. For more information on the festival visit www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com.