The Gratiaen Trust, in collaboration with the John Keells Foundation and with the assistance of the British Council, is excited to announce the shortlist for the 33rd Gratiaen Prize. This year has seen an unprecedented number of submissions, reflecting the vibrant energy and creativity present in Sri Lankan English literature, signifying a remarkable evolution in the nation’s literary landscape. The five nominated works span a variety of genres, including historical fiction, contemporary satire, lyrical prose, and innovative poetry. Each entry provides a distinct perspective on themes of identity, history, and the essence of humanity.

The shortlisted entries for the 33rd Gratiaen Prize, listed alphabetically, are:

• @#$%!Daham – Aneesha Ansar. A former copywriter and a “loud and proud” writer from Wattala, Ansar delivers a candid and bold narrative centered on survival. The judges commended the book for its playful tone and intelligent examination of ethics and modern morality through humor, which also serves as a deeper social commentary. This modern satire chronicles the “(un)adventures” of Daham, a young man grappling with a challenging boss and societal expectations, along with a pervasive sense of passive resignation.
• Dear Father; The Refugee – Alan de Costa. De Costa, a retired surgeon and recipient of the OAM, divides his time between Colombo and Vakarai. He intertwines the tales of a 17th-century Portuguese artist and a contemporary refugee in Australia, exploring the intersections of art, history, and capitalism with familial bonds and the anguish of displacement. This ambitious historical narrative alternates between the fall of the Portuguese Fort in Galle in 1640 and the Marxist uprising in Ceylon in 1971.
• God, Bangles and a Constitution – Anuththara Ekeli. An attorney and academic, Ekeli presents a collection of poems that are deliberately raw, challenging simplistic interpretations. Drawing from her expertise in international relations and law, she delves into the experience of navigating power dynamics, providing a fresh viewpoint on the Sri Lankan narrative through themes of devotion, doubt, intimacy, and expectation. This triptych of poems investigates the interplay among the sacred, the personal, and the political.
• In the Curve of the Smile – Uvini Atukorala. Atukorala, who views language as “lyrical and pliable,” examines themes of resilience and the profound bonds among mothers, daughters, and sisters. The judges lauded the vivid prose that shifts between the nation’s upheavals and the quiet nuances within familial relationships, emphasizing that sometimes memory is all that remains. Set against the backdrop of the late 1980s turmoil, this novel focuses on a young girl raised by her grandmother.
• The Son and the Lover – Visakesa Chandrasekaram. A previous Gratiaen Prize winner in 1999, Chandrasekaram is also a lawyer and an award-winning filmmaker. He explores the convergence of desire, tradition, and societal expectations. The narrative follows a couple navigating anti-Muslim protests in Sri Lanka and their new life in Australia, where their love faces familial skepticism. This compelling tale investigates an unexpected bond between a “racist” Buddhist monk and a “cultured” Australian physiotherapist.

This year’s judging panel is chaired by V. V. Ganeshananthan, whose novel Brotherless Night recently clinched the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Carol Shields Prize. She is joined by Dinidu Karunanayake, an Assistant Professor of English at Elon University specializing in postcolonial literature, and Azara Jaleel, the Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine. Reflecting on the selection, Ganeshananthan remarked, “It has been a privilege to engage with such ambitious and impactful literature. The shortlisted works exemplify a mastery of craft and a rich diversity of voices that are truly exhilarating. These authors are tackling themes that are both deeply personal and globally significant, showcasing the ongoing evolution of Sri Lankan writing in English.”

Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR and Senior Assistant Vice President at John Keells Holdings PLC, reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication, stating, “We are proud to support a platform that highlights our unique diversity. These shortlisted works exemplify the transformative power of storytelling and its essential role in shaping our culture and identity. We eagerly anticipate the final ceremony to further celebrate creative expression in Sri Lanka.”

The Gratiaen Trust congratulated all authors involved, emphasizing that the 33rd iteration of the prize underscores the continued richness and growth of English storytelling across the nation.

The winner of the 33rd Gratiaen Prize will be revealed on June 6, 2026. The event will bring together the literary community to honor these five authors and their contributions to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The Gratiaen Trust expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of its long-term partners: the British Council, Wijeya Newspapers, and the Marga Institute. Their contributions are vital in preserving Sri Lanka’s leading literary traditions.

Founded in 1992 by Michael Ondaatje, the renowned Sri Lankan-Canadian author, the Gratiaen Prize was established using funds from his Booker Prize-winning novel The English Patient. It remains the preeminent accolade for English creative writing in Sri Lanka. For further details regarding the Gratiaen Prize, the shortlisted works, or upcoming events, please visit www.gratiaen.com.

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