33rd Gratiaen Prize Longlist Announced Amid Record Entries 📈

The Gratiaen Trust, in partnership with John Keells Foundation and the British Council, has officially released the longlist for the 33rd annual Gratiaen Prize. This year’s cycle saw a record number of applications, underscoring the growth of the creative industries and English literary talent in Sri Lanka. • Key Highlights: 12 works selected for the longlist from a diverse pool of contemporary voices. Submissions include a mix of poetry, short stories, and novels. Shortlist announcement scheduled for 4 May 2026. Final winner to be revealed on 6 June 2026. • Economic & Social Context: Supported by John Keells Group via its CSR wing, focusing on social cohesion and the creative arts sector. The prize provides a platform for ICT/BPM and professional service workers who often contribute to the English-writing demographic, enhancing Sri Lanka's cultural export potential. • The 2026 Longlist: '@#$%!Daham' – Aneesha Ansar 'Chameleon Silva' – Keith Jayasekera 'Dear Father: The Refugee' – Alan de Costa 'Divergent Among my Neurons' – Gaveen Prabhasara 'Gallivanting' – Ciara Mandulee Mendis 'God, Bangles and a Constitution' – Anuththara Ekeli 'In the Curve of the Smile' – Uvini Atukorala 'Reading Palms' – Oshanthaka Cabraal 'The Department of Chosen Ones' – Thisuri Wanniarachchi 'The Son and the Lover' – Visakesa Chandrasekaram 'Time is a Paper Crane' – Eshana Ranasinghe 'To Hear You Breathe' – Sajla Anees • Judging Panel: Chaired by V.V. Ganeshananthan (Women’s Prize for Fiction winner), alongside Dr. Dinidu Karunanayake and Azara Jaleel.