The Gratiaen Trust Announces the Shortlist for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize


Colombo, 29 April 2025 — The Gratiaen Trust, in proud partnership with John Keells Foundation, is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize, celebrating outstanding works of English creative writing by Sri Lankan authors. Selected from a highly competitive longlist, the shortlisted titles reflect the vibrancy and evolution of contemporary Sri Lankan literature.

The shortlisted works for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize (in alphabetical order):

  • He Was God’s Child Too – Upali Mahaliyana
  • Kata Katha: Gossip, Rumours, and Idle Talk – Savin Edirisinghe
  • Nowhere No Return – Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe
  • The Warm South – Vihanga Perera
  • Wombful of Weeds – Ranudi Gunawardena

This year’s distinguished judging panel is chaired by Professor Gregory Pardlo, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, essayist, and Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at NYU Abu Dhabi. He was joined by Dr. Crystal Baines, researcher at the Social Scientists’ Association and visiting lecturer at the University of Colombo, and Savithri Rodrigo, award-winning journalist and biographer. Together, the panel undertook the formidable task of curating a shortlist that exemplifies literary excellence, originality, and thematic depth.

Reflecting on the process, Professor Pardlo commented:

“Having once participated in the Galle Literary Festival, I have long admired the rich literary voices emerging from Sri Lanka. It is a true honour to now help amplify those voices through the Gratiaen Prize. The shortlisted works display exceptional craft and a deep engagement with Sri Lankan realities, demonstrating that this literary tradition continues to thrive with strength and originality.”

Nafeesa Amiruddeen and Nisreen Jafferjee, Co-Chairs of the Gratiaen Trust, extended their congratulations to the shortlisted authors, and expressed gratitude to the judging panel and partners for their continued commitment and support.

Carmeline Jayasuriya – Head of CSR and Senior Asst. Vice President, John Keells Holdings PLC, reaffirmed the Foundation’s support, stating:

“We are honoured to continue our partnership with the Gratiaen Trust in celebrating literary excellence on the shared basis that a strong, cohesive society needs to understand and celebrate our unique diversity and promote the incredible talent of our creative industries. These shortlisted works are a testament to the power of storytelling and its role in shaping culture and identity. We look forward to the announcement of this year’s winner and to further celebrating creative expression in Sri Lanka.”

This year, the announcement and awards ceremony for both the Gratiaen Prize and the H.A.I. Goonetileke Prize for Literary Translation will be held on 31st May 2025 at The Studio, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka. The event will bring together writers, readers, and cultural leaders in a celebration of literature and creativity.

Following the awards night, the Gratiaen Trust will host a series of literary workshops and discussions featuring Professor Pardlo, offering aspiring writers rare insights into the craft and process of writing.

The Gratiaen Prize continues to benefit from the steadfast support of its long-standing partners — the British Council, Wijeya Newspapers, and the Marga Institute — whose contributions have played a key role in sustaining Sri Lanka’s most prestigious platform for English literary talent.

Established in 1992 by internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan-Canadian author Michael Ondaatje, using the prize money from his Booker Prize-winning novel The English Patient, the Gratiaen Prize remains the pinnacle of recognition for English creative writing in Sri Lanka.

For more information about the Gratiaen Prize, the shortlisted works, or upcoming events, please visit www.gratiaen.com.