ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Every story begins somewhere.This one begins in Colombo.The Colombo Literary Festival is a gathering for readers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and anyone who believes that stories in whatever language they arrive have the power to connect us. At its heart is a simple commitment: that Sinhala, Tamil, and English each deserve equal space and equal celebration.It's an open invitation - to students and seasoned readers, to those who devour novels and those who have never quite found the right book. To anyone who has ever felt moved by a film, a song, or a line that stayed with them long after the page turned.
Explore the programme →
What's in Store ?
- Thought-provoking conversations with internationally acclaimed authors, literary voices, and some of Sri Lanka's most celebrated writers.
- A curated programme of films that explore stories, ideas, and perspectives from around the world.
- Interactive workshops and masterclasses led by writers, artists, and storytellers for readers of all ages.
- A vibrant festival atmosphere at Arcade Independence Square, where literature, culture, music, food, and community come together in the heart of Colombo.
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Save the Date
When & Where
Festival Dates
July 2026
Six days of conversations, films, music and books.
VenueArcade Independence Square
Colombo, Sri Lanka
A landmark colonial-era arcade in the heart of Colombo — host to the festival's conversations, launches, registrations and headline sessions.
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REGISTRATION
DAY
ACCESS
250/-
July 24th - 29th 2026
Arcade
Independence Square
STUDENT
ACCESS
Free
July 24th - 29th 2026
Arcade
Independence Square
Conditions Apply
All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Day Access is valid for a single calendar day, while Student Access is free on presentation of a valid student ID at the registration desk. Seating for ticketed sessions is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the organisers reserve the right to amend the programme, panelists, or venue arrangements without prior notice.
LOCATION DETAILS
CURATED BOOK SALE
Shashi Tharoor presents the life and achievements of B. R. Ambedkar with admiration and insight. He traces Ambedkar's journey from his birth into a Mahar family in 1891 to his death in 1956, highlighting the discrimination and challenges he faced because of caste. Despite these obstacles, Ambedkar excelled as a scholar, reformer and political leader. Tharoor discusses his campaign against untouchability, his debates with leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, and his crucial role in drafting India's Constitution — portraying Ambedkar as a visionary whose ideas on equality, justice and individual rights transformed India and continue to inspire generations today.
Shashi
Tharoor
FILM FESTIVAL
Transit
Set in France during the Second World War, a young German man who has escaped the camps falls in love with the wife of a dead author whose identity he has assumed.
- Director:
- Christian Petzold
- Origin:
- 2018 · Germany–France · 74 min
- Venue:
- Goethe-Institut (German Cultural Centre), Colombo
- Date:
- Saturday, 25 July 2026
- Time:
- 3:30 PM
25 Jul · 6:00 PM
26 Jul · 3:30 PM
26 Jul · 6:00 PM
27 Jul · 6:00 PM
28 Jul · 6:00 PM
29 Jul · 3:30 PM
29 Jul · 6:00 PM
EVENING MUSIC
The full evening music line-up is being tuned. Expect jazz born from orchestras, symphonies of memory and improvisation that crosses continents — announced soon.
