Galle Literary Festival expands global reach with new memberships, patronage, and Advisory Committee

• Galle Literary Festival is not just about books and ideas – it is about creating a platform where culture, creativity, and commerce intersect. The role of signature events like GLF in destination marketing is well proven globally. It is a showcase of what Sri Lanka has to offer to the world, and I’m proud to be part of its journey towards even greater global recognition.

–  GLF Honorary Marketing Adviser Dileep Mudadeniya

• What excites me about Galle Literary Festival is not just its cultural importance, but its broader role in positioning Sri Lanka as a place where global ideas, talent, and investment can converge. Festivals like GLF help shape the international perception of Sri Lanka - not just as a beautiful destination, but as a hub for creativity, innovation, and opportunity. I’m honoured to support an initiative that reflects both the soul of the island and its future potential.

– Balaji Srinivasan 

• High-profile patrons and expanded membership strengthen GLF’s vision as a global creative hub

Dileep Mudadeniya

Nihal Arthanayake

Vikrom Mathur

Galle Literary Festival (GLF) is entering a bold new chapter as it prepares for its 13th edition in January 2026. With an expanded membership program, the addition of influential patrons, and a newly formed Advisory Committee, GLF is strengthening its position as one of South Asia’s most significant cultural events and as a growing platform for international collaboration and investment.

Since its inception, GLF has been a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to accessibility, ensuring that audiences from all walks of life can experience world-class literature, art, and cultural exchange in Sri Lanka. This ethos has made GLF a beloved fixture in the arts calendar and a cultural bridge between Sri Lanka and the world.

Introducing the GLF Membership Program

The newly launched GLF Membership Program offers individuals and organisations a meaningful way to support and engage with the festival. Four tiers, namely, Festival Insider, Ruby Patron, Diamond Patron, and the invitation-only President’s Circle, provide exclusive privileges while supporting the festival’s long-term growth.

Membership benefits include priority access to passes, invitations to private gatherings with authors and artists, and access to exclusive events throughout the year. Higher tiers extend to complimentary passes, invitations to the prestigious Opening and Closing Nights, intimate author lunches and dinners, recognition in festival materials, and curated cultural experiences. At the top, the President’s Circle, priced at Rs. 2,000,000, provides an all-access four-day festival pass, honorary inclusion in the Advisory Committee, and the opportunity to present a session at the festival. Membership is more than a ticket to the arts. It is an investment in GLF’s future and Sri Lanka’s role as a global cultural hub.

Patrons and supporters

Leading this new wave of support is Balaji Srinivasan, a distinguished entrepreneur, venture adviser, and legal professional whose career spans technology, healthcare, and corporate law. He has co-founded and led several high-impact companies, including Counsyl, a genomics startup acquired by Myriad Genetics, and Akido, a health-tech platform featured in The Wall Street Journal. He has also served as CEO of fintech platform Hashflow and as corporate counsel at Google.

A new Advisory Committee

To guide its strategic growth and international presence, GLF has formed a new Advisory Committee bringing together leaders from culture, media, and business. Among its inaugural members is John Keells Holdings PLC Senior Vice President – Global Alliances and Partnerships Dileep Mudadeniya who joins as Honorary Marketing Adviser.

Nihal Arthanayake, a prominent BBC broadcaster and cultural commentator known for his in-depth conversations with leading global figures across literature, music, and politics, brings an international media perspective to the committee. Returning GLF guest Vikrom Mathur, a senior global business leader with deep expertise in international finance and corporate strategy, contributes valuable experience in building cross-border business relationships and expanding GLF’s international networks.

Why it matters for Sri Lanka

The combination of prestigious patrons, influential advisers, and a committed membership base strengthens GLF’s role as a driver of both cultural and economic value. In a world where cities compete to host signature cultural gatherings, GLF offers something rare. It is an intimate, yet globally recognised festival set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. For sponsors and partners, the membership program and expanded global network open new opportunities for brand alignment, cultural engagement, and high-level networking.

Join the GLF community

Await more announcements on memberships, patronage, and the Advisory Committee, to be revealed in due course as part of the festival’s ongoing growth and development. Memberships start at Rs. 75,000 for the festival Insider tier. Whether you are a passionate reader, a patron of the arts, or a business leader, GLF offers a platform where your support makes a tangible difference.