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ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s beach tourism hotspots in the South from Galle to Tangalle will feature a series of heritage and contemporary festivals in art, food, literature, and music aimed at drawing visitors for extended says, the island’s tourism promotion office said.
The events will run through January to March 2024.
“Leading Lankan and international culture makers will be headlining the events – speaking, presenting and creating on topics pertinent and inspiring to Sri Lanka & the global momentum in 2024,” the agency said.
“The festivals are independently led, with the coming together of a ‘Concerto’ of events – organized to amplify the positive economic and touristic impact of cultural programming to host communities and the country.”
The events are backed by Presidential Secretariat, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Burau, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, government ministries and local bodies, the statement said.
Rhythms of Paradise, 12 – 14 January ‘24, Koggala, @rhythmsofparadise & rhythmsofparadise.com
The opening programme will highlight Sri Lanka’s cultural, maritime and natural heritage focusing on drums, dance, classical and contemporary Sri Lankan literature, and biodiversity.
The 3-day programme includes literary explorations, interactive interludes, cultural events, cinematic chronicles, workshops, excursions and exhibitions.
The opening celebration and cultural events will be held at the Koggala Air Force Base and literary sessions will be held at the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum.
2. Gourmet Galle, 13 January – 30 March ‘24, Galle, @gourmetgalle & gourmetgalle.com
From January through March Gourmet Galle will host dinners and masterclasses in keylocations on Sri Lanka’s South Coast.
It aims to celebrate of Sri Lanka food and tourism with locally sourced ingredients.
International chefs from London, New York, Sydney, Singapore including Darina Allen, O Tama Carey, Karan Gokani, Mark Hix, Peter Kuruwita, Jeremy Lee, James Lowe, Rishi Neleendra, Hari Nayak, Nisha Parmar, J Ryall, Cynthia Shanmugalingam, Mandy Yin will be featured
3. Opera at the Anantara, 19 – 21 January ‘24, Tangalle, @anantaratangalle
The event will feature local artists such as the Gustav Mahler orchestra and Chrisni Mendis, and international musicians such as Jorge Echeagaray, Barbara Segal, and Carlos Conde-González.
4. Southern Book Fair, 19 – 28 January ‘24, Galle, commonwealthpublishersnetwork.com
Located in Galle, the Southern Book Fair will offer a platform for publishers, editors, aspiring authors, and avid readers to develop new partnerships, fostering opportunities to celebrate our own rich, literary heritage, and introducing contemporary works from diverse voices around the world.
The inaugural Southern Book Fair will express Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, nurturing the spirit of creativity and collaboration, and promoting innovation and accessibility, the statement said.
5. Galle Literary Festival, 25 – 28 January ‘24, Galle, @gallelitfest & galleliteraryfestival.com
Since its launch in 2007, the Galle Literary Festival has become one of South Asia’s most anticipated arts and culture events, the statement said. The festival hosts a wide variety of talks, workshops and exhibitions in an intimate, historic setting.
The 2024 line up will see Booker Prize-winning authors, Shehan Karunatilake and DBC Pierre; war correspondent, Christina Lamb, and novelists Alexander McCall Smith and Anthony Horowitz, alongside 65 participants.
6. Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA), 1 – 4 February ‘24, Matara, @MataraForArts
Matara Festival for the Arts is a coastal celebration of contemporary art & music from Sri Lanka and beyond, curated by leading contemporary artist Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe & music educator Dr. Sumudi Suraweera.
The Matara Fort, the University of Ruhuna, and the Matara River Park will host exhibitions, workshops & talks, a community market and a film screening by leading artists, notable speakers in arts and culture, and over 30 local vendors & artisans. Evening parties & events extend from Hiriketiya, Madiha, to Mirissa.
An Independence Day concert will feature 7 performers/bands – Amila Sanduruwan, Baliphonics, Orange Mango, Paloma, SDP ft. Paula, Rolex Rasathy, and The Soul.
