Gratiaen Prize 2017 open for submissions

Submissions for the Gratiaen Prize 2017 will be open from 1 to 31 December. Themed a ‘25-year journey with Lankan literature’ the 2017 prize marks the silver jubilee of the award. The prize will be open to multiple genres including fiction, poetry, creative prose and literary memoir. More details on prize submission and regulations can be found on www.gratiaen.com.

The Gratiaen Prize has the singular distinction of being the only prize for Sri Lankan creative writing in English that has been awarded without a break since its inception in 1993 and it is unique in accepting unpublished work to foster the emergence of new literary talent. Founded and funded by Michael Ondaatje with the prize money he received as joint winner of the Booker Prize for his novel ‘The English Patient’, and administered by the Gratiaen Trust, the prize is worth Rs. 200,000. As it marks its 25th year the Gratiaen Trust looks forward to a renewed relationship with Lankan literature and plans to broaden and deepen the impact of the prize in fostering a vibrant literary culture. A number of new initiatives are planned and will be announced next year in the period leading up to the prize.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Sarasavi Bookshop Ltd. Managing Director H.D. Premasiri said, “Sarasavi is proud and excited to be associated with the Gratiaen Prize as it celebrates its silver jubilee. We look forward to a future of new possibilities as the Prize marks this significant milestone.”

The Gratiaen prize is a well-established event in Sri Lanka’s literary calendar, attracting a wide range of talent from across the island. Next year’s shortlist and prize awarding event will be interspersed with literary activities that will allow literary connoisseurs and writers the chance to explore and critically engage with Lankan literature in its diverse forms.

For further information, please contact: [email protected]