Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Wednesday, 18 January 2012 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Hailed as ‘magical,’ ‘the most companionable of all literary festivals’ and ‘a jewel of a festival,’ the newly-rebranded HSBC Galle Literary Festival is back in 2012 for the sixth time.
Continuing in its tradition of being cutting edge in the featured authors and activities, the festival is once again supported by Jetwing Hotels, as it has been since its inception.
The programme for 2012 is indeed eclectic and vibrant: from the Festival Welcome Party on the 18 of January, the experience begins. Jetwing Kurulubedda proudly hosts the famed literary lunch within a paddy field, which has come to be known as a pillar of the entire festival. The event will be on the 19 of January, and will be conducted by master storyteller John Boyne on his bestseller, The Absolutist. The evening of the same day will see the launch of Juliet Coombe’s first foray into Sri Lanka and responsible tourism, titled Paradise Exorcised, at the Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing.
The Galle Heritage Villa is one of Jetwing’s recent acquisitions, a charming private bungalow set inside the Fort of Galle itself, and lends itself for many events at the 2012 Festival from cookery lessons (Thai Street Food with David Thompson) to workshops (Writing Conflict with Githa Hariharan).
Jetwing Lighthouse remains at the centre of the activities, with Jetwing’s own Riaz Cader conducting a talk on the spectacular phenomenon that is whale watching, at the Galle Room, Jetwing Lighthouse after which the Jetwing Whale and Dolphin Centre will be opened formally.
Other events include Tea and Poetry with Lemn Sissay and Sakuntala Sachithanandan, Aminatta Foma on The Memory of Love, and finally capping off with the Grand Finale Literary Lunch on 22 January. The above are only a taste of what’s to come; with many authors from over the world hailing to the ancient city of Galle.
“2012 opens with a bang indeed, with this year’s Festival looking simply stunning. Jetwing Lighthouse is joined by Jetwing Kurulubedda and the Galle Heritage Villa in supporting the events and activities, and we remain confident that the entire experience will be magical and amazing,” said Robert Claesson, General Manager of Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Kurulubedda, Galle Heritage Villa and Jetwing Era Beach.
“Thanks to the Highway, we feel that the Festival will be more accessible and thus bigger.”
Passes are available at the Festival Office, in limited quantities.
Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 38 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand.
Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment.
