Gratiaen Prize 2025 announces shortlist for 32nd edition

From left: British Council Country Director Orlando Edwards, Award-winning journalist and biographer Savithri Rodrigo, Social Scientists’ Association Researcher and University of Colombo visiting lecturer Dr. Crystal Baines, Writers Vihanga Perera, Savin Edirisinghe, Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe, Gratiaen Trust Co-Chair Nafeesa Amiruddeen, and JKH Head of CSR and Senior Asst. Vice President Carmeline Jayasuriya

By Amira Cader

The Gratiaen Trust this week announced the shortlist for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize at the British Council, Colombo continuing its long-standing tradition of honouring excellence in English creative writing in Sri Lanka. 

From an impressive longlist of nine titles, five standout works have now advanced to the finale.

The longlist for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize were:

• He Was God’s Child Too by Upali Mahaliyana – An exploration of faith, identity and the human experience through the eyes of a young boy grappling with societal and spiritual challenges.
• Her Truth by Binendri Perera – A powerful narrative about a woman’s journey to reclaim her voice and truth in a world that seeks to silence her, addressing themes of empowerment and resilience.
• Kata Katha: Gossip, Rumours, and Idle Talk by Savin Edirisinghe – A social commentary that delves into the impact of gossip, rumours and the ways in which idle talk shape perceptions and relationships in a community.
• Nowhere No Return by Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe – A gripping story that examines the personal and social consequences of choices made in times of adversity, exploring themes of escape and the search for meaning.
• The Warm South by Vihanga Perera – A reflection on Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and the complex interplay of human emotions, capturing the essence of personal and cultural identity within the island’s vibrant backdrop.
• The Way It Is by Shirani Rajapakse – A contemplative work that touches on personal memories, relationships and the passage of time, examining the unchanging nature of life and its inevitable changes.
• The Whispering Ghouls of Paradise by Vasantha Senanayake – A dark and atmospheric tale set against the backdrop of a post-colonial society, blending elements of horror and social critique.
• Twice Upon A Lifetime by Ayathurai Santhan – A thought-provoking novel that examines themes of reincarnation, memory and destiny, inviting readers to reconsider the boundaries between life and death.
• Wombful of Weeds by Ranudi Gunawardena – A poetic exploration of human connection, trauma, and healing, as the protagonist confronts societal expectations and personal growth.

The shortlist are: 

• He Was God’s Child Too

– Upali Mahaliyana

• Kata Katha: Gossip, Rumours, and Idle Talk

– Savin Edirisinghe

• Nowhere No Return

– Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe

• The Warm South

 – Vihanga Perera

• Wombful of Weeds

– Ranudi Gunawardena

This year’s works reflect the bold, diverse and deeply personal storytelling that continues to define Sri Lankan literature in English. From experimental narratives to explorations of social issues, each book has captivated the judging panel with its originality and literary merit.

The Gratiaen Prize was founded in 1992 by Michael Ondaatje, author of The English Patient, and remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s literary calendar. Now in its 32nd year, the award continues to uplift local voices and bring national and international attention to the island’s English-language authors.

The Gratiaen Trust Co-Chairperson Nafeesa K. Amiruddeen highlighted the remarkable talent and diversity reflected in this year’s writers, noting that their work showcases both the potential and creativity thriving in Sri Lanka’s literary landscape. She also expressed gratitude to the trust’s partners, especially the John Keells Foundation, for their continued support in nurturing and promoting local literary excellence.

The judging panel for this year’s prize includes prominent figures from Sri Lanka’s literary and academic communities, who are tasked with selecting works that stand out for their originality, depth and craft.

The panel chaired by Gregory Pardlo is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author of Digest and Spectral Evidence. His work spans poetry and memoir and he has received fellowships from the NEA, Guggenheim Foundation and NYPL’s Cullman Centre. He is Head of Literature and Creative Writing at New York University Abu Dhabi.

The academics – Dr. Crystal Baines is a literary scholar and Senior Program Manager at the Social Scientists’ Association Sri Lanka. She specialises in South Asian and Postcolonial literature, with interests in translation and digital humanities and is currently working on projects exploring Buddhism in fiction and translating Bavataranaya by Martin Wickramasinghe.

The informed reader – Savithri Rodrigo is an award-winning journalist and media professional with over 37 years of experience. She hosts Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo and is also a writer, PR consultant and Goodwill Ambassador for World Vision Lanka.

This year’s Gratiaen Prize is once again presented under the Trust’s continued partnership with John Keells Foundation, the CSR entity of the John Keells Group. This strategic collaboration began in October 2019 and aligns with John Keells Foundation’s focus on Social Health and Cohesion, which includes supporting initiatives that nurture artists and promotes Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, social dialogue and creative industries.

The Gratiaen Trust also extends its deep appreciation to its long-standing event partners—the British Council, Wijeya Newspapers and the Marga Institute—for their unwavering support in fostering a vibrant literary culture in Sri Lanka. Their commitment to the arts remains instrumental in nurturing the country’s literary community and strengthening its creative heritage.

The winner of the 32nd Gratiaen prize will be announced at a special awards ceremony on 31 May 2025.