First Future Writers program winner Savin Edirisinghe wins Gratiaen Prize

The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival proudly announces the third edition of its Future Writers Program, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Sri Lankan creative voices. This milestone comes as the program celebrates a significant achievement with its first edition winner Savin Edirisinghe having been awarded the prestigious 32nd Gratiaen Prize, becoming one of the youngest recipients of this celebrated award.

The Future Writers Program is a core focus of the festival, dedicated to nurturing the creative talent of young individuals. This competition underscores the festival's commitment to fostering youth development and grooming the creative thinking of Sri Lanka's next generation, enhancing its focus on empowering emerging voices, in line with the overall festival purpose of framing the soft power of Sri Lanka.

Speaking about the program, Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival Co-Founder and Creator Ajai Vir Singh stated: "We look forward to Edition Three of the Future Writers Program as an extension of HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival. This initiative is not just about discovering talent; it's about nurturing and fostering a literary legacy. This is an investment in the future of creativity, innovation, and cultural enrichment for Sri Lanka, in line with our overall purpose to frame literature as a soft power. We are thrilled to see the winner of our first edition, Savin, be awarded this accolade."

Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka, added: “We congratulate Savin Edirisinghe on winning the Gratiaen Prize. Through the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival, now entering its third year in Colombo, HSBC is supporting Sri Lanka’s creative future. The festival creates space to nurture the next generation of storytellers and cultural leaders like Savin, who will help shape the nation’s literary landscape.”

Savin Edirisinghe, a Sri Lankan writer and storyteller, captured national attention when his debut collection, Kata Katha, won the 32nd Gratiaen Prize, the most prestigious annual literary award recognizing the best work of creative writing in Sri Lanka. The award-winning author will also join this year's panels at Edition 3 of the festival.

Highlighting his Gratiaen Prize and being the winner of the Future Writers Program at the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival, Savin Edirisinghe stated: "I am deeply honored to have received the Graateian Prize, one of the highest levels of awards in the literary world in Sri Lanka. Winning the Future Writers Program supported me with invaluable mentorship that helped shape my journey as a writer. I wish the Future Writers this year all the best."

The HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival is set to return for its third edition from February 13th–15th, 2026. With over 200 participants to date, the third edition of The Future Writers Program will be announced at the festival for all young literary enthusiasts. Visit www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com for more information and to book your festival passes.

Image Caption : From left: HSBC Sri Lanka CEO Mark Surgenor, first-edition Future Writers Program winner Savin Edirisinghe, and HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival Co-Founder and Creator Ajai Vir Singh reaffirm the Festival’s commitment to nurturing young writers through the Future Writers Program, as Edirisinghe is recognised for winning the 32nd Gratiaen Prize