Since its launch in 2005, orchestrated by Geoffrey Dobbs, the Galle Literary Festival (GLF) has become one of the most anticipated arts and culture events in South Asia. A favourite among authors and attendees alike, the Festival hosts a wide variety of talks, workshops and exhibitions in an intimate, historic setting. A celebration of the creative arts, the Festival champions the work of writers and poets, as well as giving space to painters, photographers and cinematographers. Through associated culinary events, the Festival also highlights the excellence of local and international chefs.

Tickets & Festival Passes of Galle Literary Festival 2024 are available to purchase now from galleliteraryfestival.com. We are happy to Launch ARTRA Magazine’s forthcoming edition ‘Galle Fort in The Contempoary' delving into the deep-rooted historicity and heritage of the Galle Fort, and the role it occupies in the current context of Sri Lanka through the lens of art & architecture featuring the works Jagath Weerasinghe, Anoli Perera and Pala Pothupitiya to name a few.

The Galle Literary Festival, in partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), revealed its much-anticipated programme for 2024. Featuring more than 180 talks, workshops and events, taking place from 25 to 28 January, the programme reflects the Festival’s renewed commitment to diversity and discussion.

Highlights from the 2024 Galle Literary Festival programme include the following talks:
• The Changing Sri Lankan Literary Landscape

Shehan Karunatilaka & Romesh Gunesekera, chaired by Ameena Hussein
• Televised Retelling: History On Screen
Mary Beard & Simon Schama
• The Girl From Aleppo: Writing Nujeen’s Story
Christina Lamb & Nujeen Mustafa
• The Anatomy Of A Thriller
Anthony Horowitz & Amanda Jayatissa, chaired by Chhimi Tenduf-La
• On Community In Stories
Amanthi Harris, Balli Jaswal & Alexander McCall Smith, chaired by Artika Bakshi
• The Female Body In The Arts
Mary Beard, Tishani Doshi & Fabienne Francotte, chaired by Kalpanee Gunawardana
• The Rise Of Sri Lankan Cuisine
Cynthia Shanmugalingam, Lahiru Perera & Tom Parker Bowles, chaired by Eliane Sterchi

Guests can explore the full programme, including event descriptions, timings and venues, here.

Curated with care to celebrate a variety of voices, the programme spans a breadth of salient topics – from history and faith, to storytelling, the environment and cultural identity. It brings together a cast of celebrated speakers, including Booker Prize winners, decorated journalists, noted poets, popular historians and a fleet of famous names in fiction.

“We’re hugely proud of the dynamic and diverse programme we’ve put together for January,” said Giselle Harding, Festival Director. “We’re covering a greater variety of topics than ever before, and with such an incredible line-up of talented speakers attending, we’re confident that there’s something for everyone in our schedule.”

A full calendar of events accompanies the talks. From literary lunches to sunset cocktails, the Festival’s social soirées offer the unique opportunity to mingle with authors in intimate settings. Don’t miss the chance to join headliner Sebastian Faulks for Sunday lunch aboard Sail Lanka’s 27-metre yacht, hosted by guest chef Emily Dobbs of Weligama fame.

Entertainment also abounds down south. Besides a number of interactive workshops led by visiting speakers, we’re excited to welcome an ensemble of performers to the Festival. Expect choral recitals, poetry readings and drama productions, as well as an exclusive Saturday-night stand-up set from rising Sri Lankan comedian, Vidura BR.

Event Tickets & Festival Passes available to purchase now from galleliteraryfestival.com

Festival passes: Rs. 45,000 • Day Passes: Rs. 12,000 • Session Tickets: Rs. 3,000
Passes include access to all talks. Lunches, dinners and workshops are individually priced.

The Galle Literary Festival was last held in 2019. It returns in 2024 with a renewed vision. 

Galle Literary Festival 2024 is held in partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion (headline partner), SriLankan Airlines (airline partner), Sarasavi (bookshop partner), International Distillers Ltd (lounge partner), Asia Securities (session partner), Park Street Gourmet (wine partner), ARTRA (Art Trail partner) and Sail Lanka (bronze sponsor).