Southern Book Fair 2024
Launched by the Commonwealth Book Publishers Network, and in conjunction with the internationally acclaimed Galle Literary Festival, the inaugural Southern Book Fair (SBF-2024) will be held from January 19th to 28th.
A vibrant celebration of literature, the Southern Book Fair expresses Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, nurturing the spirit of creativity and collaboration, promoting innovation and accessibility, and igniting a renewed passion for literature among not only our own people, but the wider global community.
Located at the heart of the iconic Galle Fort, 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 Southern Book Fair is operating this year in partnership with the world-renowned Galle Literary Festival (25th to 28th January), first established in 2005 as a global gathering for literary enthusiasts, poets, musicians, artistes and culinary experts from all over the world.
With the return of the internationally acclaimed Galle Literary Festival, a remarkable confluence of the world’s foremost authors, book publishers, artistes, musicians, and gourmet chefs will converge for an unprecedented promotion of Sri Lanka on the international stage. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Galle Fort UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival features a mix of renowned and emerging writers, poets and thinkers, and is internationally recognised for its inclusive and diverse programming; a highlight for both locals and visitors from abroad.
Together, SBF 2024 can bring attention to Galle as a destination for literary and cultural enthusiasts, attracting both local and international visitors, and celebrating Sri Lanka’s vital creative spirit.
‘Never has there been a better time to immerse yourself in a world of creativity, engaging in panel discussions on literary topics, participating in workshops and seminars on writing and publishing, and networking with other literary professionals’ said Dinesh Kulathuga, Chairman, Commonwealth Publishers Network.
The Southern Book Fair expects to be a platform that features Sri Lanka’s diversity in culture, natural heritage and tourism, represented through writings representing all three language of Sri Lanka; Sinhala, English and Tamil. The principal sponsor of the event is MD Gunasena and Co. Ltd.