Chandrasekaram claims 33rd Gratiaen Prize with “The Son and the Lover”

From left: Elon University Assistant Professor of English Dinidu Karunanayake, British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Lead Jury and Author V.V. Ganeshananthan, John Keells Holdings Head of CSR and Senior Assistant Vice President Carmeline Jayasuriya, 33rd Gratiaen Prize Winner Visakesa Chandrasekaram, Gratiaen Trust Chairperson Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Sunethra Dias Bandaranaike, ARTRA Magazine Editor-in-Chief Azara Jaleel 

• Acclaimed filmmaker, lawyer and writer wins Sri Lanka’s highest honour for English creative writing

By Amira Cader

Visakesa Chandrasekaram has been named the winner of the 33rd Gratiaen Prize at a gala ceremony held at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams yesterday, with the Gratiaen Trust recognising his novel The Son and the Lover for its exceptional originality, literary excellence and craftsmanship.

Chosen from a highly competitive shortlist, Chandrasekaram’s winning work explores themes of desire, identity, tradition, and societal expectations through an unconventional relationship that unfolds between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Accepting the award, Chandrasekaram expressed gratitude to the Gratiaen Trust, the judging panel, and the literary community for their continued support of Sri Lankan writers.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful to me. Literature allows us to explore complex human experiences, question accepted truths and build bridges of understanding. I am honoured that “The Son and the Lover” has been recognised by the Gratiaen Prize,” he said.

Chandrasekaram is no stranger to the Gratiaen Prize, having previously been a joint winner in 1999. Over the years, he has established himself as one of Sri Lanka’s most versatile creative figures, earning recognition as a filmmaker, human rights lawyer, activist, playwright, songwriter, artist, performer, academic and author. His acclaimed works include Frangipani, Paangshu and Munnel.

The shortlist for the 33rd Gratiaen Prize featured “@#$%!Daham” by Aneesha Ansar, “Dear Father”, “The Refugee” by Alan de Costa, “God, Bangles and a Constitution” by Anuththara Ekeli and “In the Curve of the Smile” by Uvini Atukorala.

The judging panel was chaired by V.V. Ganeshananthan, whose novel “Brotherless Night” won the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Carol Shields Prize. She was joined by Elon University Assistant Professor of English Dinidu Karunanayake, and ARTRA Magazine Editor-in-Chief Azara Jaleel.

From left: Lead Jury and Author V.V. Ganeshananthan, Sarasavi Bookshop Director Amendra Haputhanthri, 33rd Gratiaen Prize Winner Visakesa Chandrasekaram, Gratiaen Trust Chairperson Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Elon University Assistant Professor of English Dinidu Karunanayake, ARTRA Magazine Editor-in-Chief Azara Jaleel, and John Keells Holdings Head of CSR and Senior Assistant Vice President Carmeline Jayasuriya

The awards ceremony drew a distinguished gathering of diplomats, literary figures and supporters of the arts, including British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Republic of Türkiye Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Semih Lütfü Turgut and Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth.

Gratiaen Trust Chairperson Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu noted that the enduring strength of the Gratiaen Prize lies in its commitment to recognising originality, courage, and literary excellence.

“The strength of the Gratiaen Prize lies in its commitment to recognising originality, courage, and literary excellence. For more than three decades, it has provided a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, reflecting the richness and complexity of Sri Lankan society. The works we celebrate today demonstrate not only exceptional creativity but also the power of literature to challenge, inspire, and connect us,” he said.

The Trust also acknowledged the continued support of the John Keells Foundation, the principal partner of the Gratiaen Prize, for its longstanding commitment to promoting literature and creative expression in Sri Lanka.

Established in 1992 by internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan-Canadian author Michael Ondaatje using proceeds from his Booker Prize-winning novel “The English Patient”, the Gratiaen Prize remains Sri Lanka’s most prestigious award for English creative writing.

The award continues to celebrate excellence in English literature while providing a platform for emerging and established Sri Lankan writers to share stories that resonate both locally and internationally.