Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the government views investment in education, creativity, culture and the arts as an integral part of national development, describing them as essential to fostering innovation, addressing challenges and strengthening democracy.

Speaking at the Colombo Literary Festival in Colombo earlier today, Amarasuriya said, “As a government, we recognise that investing in education, creativity, culture, and the arts is not separate from national development; it is an essential part of it. A society that values knowledge, creativity, and free expression is better equipped to innovate, address challenges, and strengthen democracy.”

The prime minister attended the Colombo Literary Festival 2026 and was also seen interacting with Indian Member of Parliament and author Shashi Tharoor, who joined the event as a special guest.

The festival, described by organizers as Sri Lanka’s first international trilingual literary festival, was officially launched at Arcade Independence Square.

Tharoor attended the opening ceremony alongside Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Festival Director Pradeep Samaranayake and members of Sri Lanka’s literary community.

The six-day festival, running from July 24 to July 29, gives equal prominence to Sinhala, Tamil and English, bringing together local and international writers, poets, critics, academics, filmmakers, artists and readers.

The program includes literary discussions, book launches, creative workshops, film screenings, cultural events, musical performances and book exhibitions. The festival is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Arcade Independence Square. (Newswire)

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