Focused on English writing that was launched in the past year – but also incorporating discussions, views, and opinions on debates and issues of overlapping interest - ‘New Ink’ fosters a platform for twenty writers, academics, and artists on 19 January from 10 am onwards, at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW), Kithulwatta Road, Colombo 8.

The programme features seven panels of poetry and fiction readings, arts discussions, and a special space for an appreciation of recently deceased giants of Sri Lankan writing, Jean Arasanayagam and Carl Muller. A memorial poetry anthology in tribute of Jean Arasanayagam – a contribution by twenty poets – will also be launched at the event.

Among a posse of established and emergent talent, the forum celebrates noted authors who published across the past year, and include Ayathurai Santhan, Mandulee Mendis, Andrew Fidel Fernando, Chathushkie Jayasinghe, Lawanya Wijesekara, Dilantha Gunawardena, Dechen Yoesel Choden and Zeneefa Zeneer. Writers Visakesa Chandrasekaram, Rathika Pathmanathan and Chiranthi Rajapakse will be featured in a discussion on the art of fiction and memoir, while film makers Parakrama Jayasinghe, Roshan Edward and Vishnu Vasu are expected to lead a discussion on the current status quo of the local film. The appreciation of Jean Arasanayagam and Carl Muller features two academics that have researched in Sri Lankan writing: Harshana Rambukwella and Crystal Baines.

As a tone-setter for the new year, ‘New Ink’ also hosts the three writers in Ruchini Abayakoon, Tinaz Amit and Shezmina Cuttilan whose to-be published manuscripts are going through final edits.

‘New Ink’ is a forum for family, friends and lit-enthusiasts of all kinds. Independently organized, it is a homely affair with a free entrance. Everyone is welcome to join a day out with a host of emerging and established voices in literature.

Follow ‘New Ink’ on: https://www.facebook.com/events/484883805500251/