When our founder, Merrill J. Fernando, set out to take Ceylon Tea to the world, he wasn’t just building a brand – he was telling the story of Ceylon Tea with a purpose. He believed that storytelling is more than just sharing facts — it’s about connecting with others, preserving culture and inspiring change. His belief is the driving force behind our continued commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers through the Future Writers Programme presented by Dilmah as part of the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival.
For the second consecutive year, the Future Writers Programme has become a cornerstone for young Sri Lankan writers to nurture their craft and share their unique voices. With over 150 entries this year, it’s clear that there is a vibrant and eager community of emerging writers in Sri Lanka, ready to share their stories with the world.
This year’s participants were inspired by two powerful themes: ‘Whispers from the Jungle’ and ‘Echoes of the Protector’. The stories submitted by the youth were deeply thought-provoking, imaginative and reflective of the culture, beauty and experiences that define Sri Lanka. Others featured plot twists and perceptions that challenged and expanded the perspective of the given theme.
Speaking at the event, Dilhan C. Fernando, Tea Grower and Chairman/CEO of Dilmah, emphasised the importance of storytelling in today’s generation. He said, “Creativity is what differentiates us in this age of AI and so much mundane automation. It’s creativity that will make us distinct and give us an identity. It is only by being creative and getting in touch with your imagination that one can achieve anything. Therefore, it makes me so happy to see several young people submitting to story competitions and nurturing their creative futures.”
The highlight of this year’s programme was the announcement of the winners — Hafsa Rizvi, Taleetha Wambeck and Sohara Bandaranayake. Hafsa took the top prize with her compelling story on the topic ‘Whispers from the Jungle’, while Taleetha and Sohara claimed First and Second Runner-up honours for ‘When The Trees Hold Their Breath’ and ‘Echoes of the Protector’ respectively. These talented writers were awarded cash prizes and a mentorship opportunity with Ameena Hussein, an award-winning author and publisher. The mentorship will provide valuable guidance as they continue their literary journeys, helping them hone their craft and make their mark on Sri Lankan literature.
But the impact of the Future Writers Programme extends beyond just recognition. Savin Edirisinghe, last year’s winner, has already made waves by being shortlisted for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize — a prestigious accomplishment that demonstrates the potential this programme has to launch young writers into the literary world.
This is just the beginning… We are excited to watch these young voices evolve and make their impact on the literary world. To read the stories of this year’s top 11 finalists, visit: www.ceylonliteraryfestival.com
