Shortlist Announced for 33rd Gratiaen Prize 📚

The Gratiaen Trust, in partnership with the John Keells Foundation and the British Council, has unveiled the five finalists for the 2026 Gratiaen Prize, highlighting the growth of Sri Lanka’s creative economy and literary diversity. • The Shortlist Aneesha Ansar: ‘@#$%!Daham’ (Satire/Fiction) Alan de Costa: ‘Dear Father; The Refugee’ (Historical/Contemporary Novel) Anuththara Ekeli: ‘God, Bangles and a Constitution’ (Poetry) Uvini Atukorala: ‘In the Curve of the Smile’ (Historical Fiction) Visakesa Chandrasekaram: ‘The Son and the Lover’ (Fiction) • Economic & Cultural Impact Supported by John Keells Holdings PLC (CSR wing) and the British Council for over 30 years. The prize serves as a critical incubator for intellectual property and emerging talent, with past winners achieving international acclaim (including the Booker Prize). Focuses on professionalizing the English literary scene, fostering cultural expression that reflects the country’s complex social landscape. • Key Dates The winner of the 33rd cycle will be announced on 6 June 2026. The 2026 panel is chaired by V.V. Ganeshananthan (Winner of the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction), signaling high international standards for Sri Lankan literary exports. 📈