BY Thasmina Sookoor
The Gratiaen Trust, in collaboration with the John Keells Foundation, proudly announces the longlist for the 32nd annual Gratiaen Prize. As Sri Lanka’s foremost literary accolade for English creative writing, the prize continues to celebrate and nurture exceptional literary talent across the country.
Founded in 1992 by internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan-Canadian author Michael Ondaatje, the Gratiaen Prize was established using the proceeds from his Booker Prize-winning novel The English Patient. Over the years, it has remained a prestigious platform for recognising literary excellence and originality.
- This year’s longlisted authors and their works are:
- He Was God's Child Too: Upali Mahaliyana
- Her Truth: Binendri Perera
- Kata Katha: Gossip, Rumours, and Idle Talk: Savin Edirisinghe
- Nowhere No Return: Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe
- The Warm South: Vihanga Perera
- The Way It Is: Shirani Rajapakse
- The Whispering Ghouls of Paradise: Vasantha Senanayake
- Twice Upon A Lifetime: Ayathurai Santhan
- Wombful of Weeds: Ranudi Gunawardena
As the most prestigious award of its kind in Sri Lanka, the Gratiaen Prize serves as a significant milestone for local writers, offering a platform that highlights creativity, narrative excellence, and literary craftsmanship. The announcement of the longlist marks the first major step in the 2025 prize cycle, leading up to the highly anticipated next phase.
The shortlist will be revealed on April 28, 2025, at the British Council, Colombo, an event that will bring together writers, literary enthusiasts, and key stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s literary community. Those interested in attending can register by contacting 0773 115 839.
The final winner of the Gratiaen Prize 2025, along with the recipient of the biennial H.A.I. Goonetileke Prize for Literary Translation, will be announced at the grand award ceremony on May 31, 2025.
The Gratiaen Trust continues its successful collaboration with John Keells Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the John Keells Group, which has been a key partner since 2019. This ongoing partnership aligns with the foundation’s broader Social Health & Cohesion initiative, which champions artistic endeavours and contributes to the promotion of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, creative industries, and social dialogue.
In a joint statement, Gratiaen Trust Co-Chairs, Nafeesa Amiruddeen and Nisreen Jafferjee congratulated the longlisted authors, acknowledging the depth and diversity of their work. They also expressed gratitude to this year’s panel of judges for their dedication and meticulous selection process, which continues to uphold the integrity and prestige of the prize.
The Trust extends its appreciation to its longstanding event partners, British Council, Wijeya Newspapers Limited, and the Marga Institute, whose unwavering support plays a vital role in fostering Sri Lanka’s literary culture. Their contributions continue to strengthen the country’s creative landscape, providing an essential platform for emerging and established writers alike. For further details and updates, please visit www.gratiaen.com
