Nestled within the historic ramparts of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern coast, the Galle Literary Festival is poised to return with its 12th edition from February 6th to 9th, 2025. This premier event has etched its mark on the global cultural calendar, becoming a pivotal gathering for literary lovers, acclaimed authors, and thought leaders from across the globe.
The 2025 festival promises an enriching tapestry of literary dialogue, workshops, and performances meticulously designed to foster creative expression, critical thought, and cultural exchange. Building on the success of its predecessors, next year’s edition aims to surpass expectations, offering a broader, more inclusive platform for exploring the nuances of literature, art, and social issues.
Geoffrey Peter Dobbs, who founded the Galle Literary Festival in 2005 and has made a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s boutique hotel industry, serves as its founder. Festival Director Giselle Harding brings her experience from the international events industry and a passion for the written word, aiming to enhance the festival’s charm.
The Galle Literary Festival, a leading arts-focused event in South Asia, offers an extensive program that includes talks, workshops, exhibitions, the Art Trail showcasing painters and photographers, and Gourmet Galle featuring top chefs and Sri Lankan cuisine.
Expanding Horizons
The festival’s programming is a testament to its commitment to diversity and depth, featuring over 200 events spanning genres and subjects Fro profound discussions on contemporary issues to explorations of literary classics, the festival is a haven for those eager to immerse themselves in the world of words Wor shops designed to hone writing and critical thinking skills will run alongside sessions on poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and the increasingly popular realms of graphic novels and digital storytelling.
A Global Melting Pot
Galle Literary Festival 2025 is set to welcome an unprecedented lineup of international and local authors, poets, and creatives Est emed literary figures will share the stage with emerging voices, highlighting the festival’s role as a launchpad for new talent The fusion of perspectives promises to ignite conversations that are as diverse as they are profound, covering topics from global politics to personal identity, environmental issues, and beyond.
Beyond the Page
True to its ethos of offering a holistic cultural experience, the festival extends beyond the written word Att ndees can look forward to a vibrant array of peripheral activities, including art exhibitions, culinary events, and musical performances, each echoing the festival’s theme of bridging cultures and fostering community.
In addition, the festival’s picturesque setting in Galle Fort offers a unique backdrop where history and heritage blend seamlessly with the literary and artistic endeavours of the present The fort’s quaint streets, lined with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, provide the perfect setting for inspiration and interaction among festival-goers.
A Sustainable Future
With sustainability at its heart, the Galle Literary Festival 2025 aims to minimize its environmental impact Ini iatives include:
- Promoting local crafts and cuisine.
- Implementing waste reduction measures.
- Encouraging discussions on sustainability in literature and life.
An Invitation to Explore
The Galle Literary Festival 2025 extends an invitation to explore the transformative power of literature, welcoming writers, readers, and thinkers from around the globe to engage in a shared journey of discovery and dialogue. Set for February 6th to 9th, 2025, this event promises a unique convergence of inspiration, knowledge, and community celebration through storytelling. For complete information on the festival’s schedule, participants, workshops, and more, visit galleliteraryfestival.com.
Article by
Ravindu Dilshan Illangakoon
As co-founder and Head of Content at Sri Lanka Travel Pages, I ensure that every blog post we publish is AMAZING.
