Dilmah – HSBC future writers festival attracts 150+ entries

With a focus on empowering emerging voices, the Future Writers Programme presented by Dilmah is a flagship initiative of the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival and is fast becoming a catalyst for creative growth in Sri Lanka. More than a competition, it is a platform designed to foster and elevate the talents of young Sri Lankan writers, supporting their journey from inspiration to impact, a news release connected with the event said.

“A powerful example of this impact is evidenced in Savin Edirisinghe, last year’s competition winner, being shortlisted for the prestigious 32nd Gratiaen Prize – a milestone that affirms the programme’s mission, it noted.

This year’s Awards Ceremony, held at Genesis – The Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future, brought together distinguished literary figures and young creatives to celebrate and recognise the emerging national literary talents.

Speaking at the event, Dilhan C. Fernando, Tea Grower and Chairman/CEO of Dilmah, emphasised the importance of storytelling as a force for cultural preservation and personal expression: “Creativity is what differentiates us in this age of AI and so much mundane automation. It’s creativity that will make us distinct and give us an identity, he said”

Dilmah’s support of the Festival and young writers reflects its long-standing legacy of storytelling, beginning with founder Merrill J. Fernando’s mission to share the story of Ceylon tea with the world. Today, that legacy lives on in every young Sri Lankan who dares to write with heart, with purpose, and with the hope of being heard.

Ajai Vir Singh, Creative Platform Builder and Co-Founder & Director of the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival added, “The role of platforms in modern day societies is very important as they re-engage a generation on common purpose. Our platform is driving the resurgence of arts and culture among the youth through their engagement and this programme is a testimony of that. It’s also building a unique Sri Lankan identity. The Future Writers Programme acts as a supply chain that boosts the arts and culture stream of Sri Lanka. Soft power enhancement has been our goal for a few years now and that remains the bigger purpose for us.”

Now in its second consecutive year, the Future Writers Programme presented by Dilmah invited aspiring writers aged 15 – 29 to develop their storytelling abilities through dedicated writing workshops and a national short story competition. This year, participants explored two evocative themes: ‘Whispers from the Jungle’ and ‘Echoes of the Protector’. The overwhelming response to the call for submissions reflected the interest in creative writing among Sri Lanka’s youth and a hunger for platforms that support creative expression.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Future Writers Programme Competition winners. The top three were honoured for their imaginative and thought-provoking stories that captured the spirit of this year’s festival theme, ‘Writing with Purpose’. Hafsa Rizvi claimed the top prize for her story, while Taleetha Wambeck was named First Runner-up and Sohara Bandaranayake received Second Runner-up honours.

The judging panel for this year’s competition comprised acclaimed writers and literary professionals: Ameena Hussein, Lal Medawattegedara, and Artika Aurora Bakshi who shared their insights during a thought-provoking panel discussion at the awards ceremony moderated by lawyer and presenter Shanaka Amarasinghe. Their selection reflected a thoughtful and rigorous evaluation of the entries, recognising young voices with originality, creativity, clarity and identity.

The top three winners were awarded a cash prize and the opportunity to engage in a mentorship session with award winning author and publisher Ameena Hussein providing valuable guidance to refine their craft and continue their literary journeys. The 48 Shortlist and Longlist recipients were also presented with certificates and a token in recognition of their achievements.

To read the stories of the top 11 on the shortlist, visit: www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com

Read the article on The Island Online – https://island.lk/dilmah-hsbc-future-writers-festival-attracts-150-entries/