Celebrating Young Voices

Under the auspices of the Ceylon Literary and Art Festival, a convergence of literary talent and passion unfolded at the Future Writers Programme Awards Ceremony, hosted at the Dilmah Genesis Centre. This event, a collaboration between the festival and Dilmah Ceylon Tea, provided a vibrant platform for young Sri Lankan writers aged 15-29 to showcase their craft.

Over 130 short stories were submitted within four months, with 52 writers shortlisted. Ultimately, Savin Edirisinghe’s ‘Unmasked’ won first place, followed by Paramie Jayakodi’s ‘Niyagala Mal’ and Eshara Ranadeniya’s ‘Footsteps’ in second and third places, respectively.

The ceremony, held on 23 July, was more than an awards presentation; it was a celebration of the profound synergy between tea and storytelling, underscoring Dilmah Tea’s commitment to social responsibility.

Ceylon Literary and Art Festival Founder Ajai Vir Singh expressed his enthusiasm for expanding the programme in future editions, emphasising the importance of nurturing young talent in Sri Lanka. The event featured a distinguished panel of judges, including acclaimed authors Ashok Ferrey, Lal Medawattegedara, Ciara Mandulee Mendis, and moderator Andrew Fidel Fernando, ESPN Cricinfo senior writer and author of ‘Upon a Sleepless Isle.’

A platform for young voices
Dilmah Tea Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dilhan C. Fernando eloquently encapsulated the event’s significance in his opening remarks. He highlighted the danger of living within an echo chamber, stressing the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives. “Writing,” he said, “offers young Sri Lankans a chance to echo their ideas and voices, aligning perfectly with our family philosophy of serving humanity with kindness.”

Fernando’s reflections set the tone for the panel discussion that followed, where the esteemed judges shared their insights and experiences. Andrew Fidel Fernando introduced the judges and emphasised the critical role such competitions play in recognising and nurturing young literary talent.

Insights from the judges
Ashok Ferrey, a best-selling author with six books to his name, praised the unique voices and the authentic representation of Sri Lankan English in the submitted stories. “What impressed me most was the use of Sri Lankan English,” he said. “The writers managed to capture the essence of local culture and dialect, making their stories authentic and relatable.”

He added: “The level of English competence among these young writers is truly impressive. A few years ago, I judged a major literary prize, and I must say that the submissions we received here were of a higher standard.” He noted that the use of local idioms and expressions adds a rich layer of authenticity that resonates deeply with readers.

Lal Medawattegedara, an award-winning novelist and English teacher, echoed Ferrey’s sentiments. He underscored the importance of using Sri Lankan English to capture the essence of local narratives. “It’s vital,” he said, “to tap into the peculiarities of our language to tell our stories effectively.” He added that authenticity and originality come through in the language you use.

“Writers shouldn’t be afraid to include code-switching or borrowings from Sinhala or Tamil.” Medawattegedara also emphasised the importance of setting in storytelling. “Every setting has its own atoms, energy, and colour. The language spoken in that setting belongs to it. When you create a character, make sure their language reflects their environment.”

Ciara Mandulee Mendis, whose works have appeared in numerous international journals, was struck by the depth of emotion and the intricate plotting in many submissions. She remarked that some stories revealed voices that were yearning to be heard, capturing the reader with their raw authenticity. “What struck me was the plotting and the emotional intensity. Some stories revealed deep, personal truths that might be difficult to share,” she said. “Even those that didn’t make it to the final list had a unique beauty, reflecting voices that were yearning to be heard.” 

The power of context and language
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the importance of context and language in storytelling. The judges emphasised that the setting of a story must be reflected in the language used, as it helps create a believable and immersive narrative. “Every space,” Medawattegedara explained, “has its own atoms, energy, and colour. The language spoken within that space must reflect its unique characteristics.”

This emphasis on authentic representation resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom came from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The judges encouraged young writers to be bold and to incorporate their unique linguistic influences into their writing, thus creating stories that are both relatable and original. 

Advice for aspiring writers
The panel discussion concluded with valuable advice for aspiring writers. Ferrey stressed the importance of persistence, noting that the judging process can often be subjective. “Don’t give up,” he urged. “Just because you weren’t shortlisted or didn’t win, it doesn’t mean your story isn’t valuable. Keep writing and refining your craft.”

Medawattegedara offered practical advice on improving one’s writing. He recommended that budding writers scaffold their work around established authors they admire. “It’s important to model yourself initially on writers you love,” he said. “Experiment with their styles until you find your own voice.”

Mendis highlighted the importance of authenticity and originality. “Write the way you speak,” she advised. “Don’t be afraid to use local expressions and idioms. They add a unique flavour to your writing that readers will appreciate.”

A celebration of Sri Lankan literature
The Future Writers Programme Awards Ceremony was a testament to the richness of Sri Lankan literature and the immense potential of its young writers. The event not only recognised individual achievements but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among aspiring authors.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Dilhan Fernando’s words echoed in the minds of all present: “There are so many amazing stories within each of us. It’s an honour to work with these young talents and help them share their stories with the world.”

The Ceylon Literary and Art Festival and Dilmah Ceylon Tea have created a powerful platform for young writers, ensuring that the future of Sri Lankan literature is bright and filled with diverse, authentic voices. As Ajai Vir Singh noted, the success of the programme marks just the beginning of a long journey to elevate and celebrate Sri Lankan storytelling on the global stage.

Read the article on The Morning By Venessa Anthony: https://www.themorning.lk/