Let the poet sing his verse and the writer mint her thoughts; Let us gather to get a better meaning to life through literature. We have three languages to make our expressions. We have different races to mix. Different faiths to bless us
– Capt. Elmo Jayawardena, Founder AK Lit Fest
We warmly welcome everyone. It’s simply literature, simply local. It’s Annasi and Kadalagotu time again.
Have you tried the local flavour?
That’s the theme we’re exploring for our fifth consecutive year of the AK Lit Fest.
We have also lined up a string of events that will stretch your mind, including a panel of blind authors, a public discussion on whether literature should be censored, the importance of women bloggers, and an exercise in spontaneous poetry.
Sun
20
Oct
09.00 – 10.30
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Book Launches
Book launch and discussion with kids affected by war
Nadishka Aloysius
Hall 2 – Horizon Room
‘Craving Creativity’ Workshop for Adults 18+ – Dileepa Abesekara
Hall 3 – Maitland Room
Opinion – Should Literature be censored?
A public opinion debate
Featured by Shakthika Ranathunga
Moderated by Dhananath Feranando
10.35 – 10.45
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Opening Ceremony
10.45 – 12.00
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Tri lingual literature – a path to peace
Hosted by Kingsley Rathnayake, Professor Neluka Silva
Moderated by TBC
10.45 – 12.45
Hall 3 – Maitland Room
‘Blood, sweat and ink’ The mingling of Sports & Literature
Hosted by Andrew Fidel Fernando
Yasas Ratnayake
David Scott
Rohan Wijesinghe
Ganeesha David
Moderated by Rohan Wijesinha
13.00 – 14.00
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Performance by Bambaru
Hall 2 – Horizon Room
‘Anduru Lowakin Eliyata’ Writing with disabilities
Hosted by Upul Senadheerage
Wasantha Pathmini
Susila Nandani
Gamini Karunarathne
Moderated by Virjani Tennakoon
Hall 3 – Maitland Room
Little minds strong values Teaching ethics and values for kids between 8 years to 14 years
Hosted by Rukshan Perera
14.15 – 15.15
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Literature as a tool of ethnic and religious reconciliation
Hosted by Victor Ivan
Rukshan Perera
Mahinda Namal
Moderated by Udan Fernando (TBC)
Hall 2 – Horizon Room
‘Doing it write the first time’ The Virgin Authors
Hosted by Sandya Salgado
Dr. Sarath Wimalasuriya
Ahilini Nanthakumar
Asha Ralpanawa
Chathuski Jayasinghe
Moderated by Tinaz Amit
Hall 3 – Maitland Room
Learning through literature – Workshop for kids
Hosted by Nadishka Aloysius
15.30 – 16.45
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Award winning authors
Hosted by Saumya Sandaruwan
Virajini Thennakoon
Shirani Rajapakse
S.A Udayan
Prof.Piyasseli Wijemanne
Moderator: Malinda Seneviratne
Hall 2 – Horizon Room
‘A woman’s gaze’
Hosted by Prashani Rambukwella
Vetrichelvi (Velu) Chandrakala
Dr. Bodhini Samaratunga
Moderated by Smrithi Daniel
Hall 3 – Maitland Room
‘Hitiwana Kavi’ Poetry Corner
Hosted by Migara Bamunusinghe
Kapila Wickremeratne
Sudath Liyanage
Chamari Malkanthi
Moderated by Shenali Perera
17.00 – 17.30
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Performance by Bambaru
Hall 3 – Maitland Room
The Story behind the Story
Hosted by Jian Yang
Moderated by Keith Wijesuriya
18.40 – 19.00
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Performance by Bambaru
18.40 – 19.00
Hall 1 – Empire Room
Prize giving featuring the “Love letter competition”
Get your own copy of the Festival Programme so that you do not miss a thing.
Since launching in 2015, Annasi & Kadalagotu has been an authentically Sri Lankan literary festival that is highly anticipated by literary enthusiasts all over the country. It offers a collaborative platform for those who are passionate about literature to explore writing, reading, and the diverse expressions, cultures, and perspectives of the Sri Lankan people.
The festival hopes to spark interest in the contemporary local literature of well known and lesser known writers, as well as encourage the work of budding writers all over Sri Lanka.
This festival is the brainchild of Captain Elmo Jayawardena, and was initiated with the help of a small group of like minded individuals with one goal: to pay tribute to those local authors and publishers whose work sustains Sri Lanka’s literary identity.
Staying true to our Lankan heritage by showcasing and discussing literary works in English, Sinhalese, and Tamil.
Making sure that attending the festival is an exciting and affordable prospect for all.
Welcoming people of varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds to appreciate, contribute, and discuss their literary works and insights.
Serving as a platform to advance the voice of the common man through all forms of literary expression.
