COLOMBO : Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the Colombo Literary Festival on 24th July in Colombo.
The six-day festival, held from July 24 to 29, brings together a diverse gathering of local and international writers, poets, critics, academics, filmmakers, artistes, and literary enthusiasts, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, exchange, and celebration of literature and the arts.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister noted that the month of July serves as a reminder of some of the nation’s most painful historical experiences, including the horrors that led to years of conflicts and destruction and burning of books. Recalling the burning of the Jaffna Public Library in 1981, the Prime Minister emphasized that these events underscore the importance of fostering a culture that values literature, books, authors, and publishers, recognizing their vital role in preserving knowledge, memory, and history.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of ensuring that the significant chapters of the nation’s history are reflected in education so that future generations can better understand the experiences that have shaped the country.
The Prime Minister also noted that when official narratives attempt to erase or overlook collective memories, books and literature endure as vital records of the past, preserving the stories of those who survived, rebuilt their lives, and brought witness to history. The Prime Minister reflected on the importance of nurturing a culture of reading in a generation in which the era is defined by digital technology, social media, and instant access to information.
Emphasizing the Government’s commitment to education and culture, the Prime Minister stated,
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 occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Media and Health Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Indian author, politician and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor, Diplomatic representatives, renowned local and international authors, publishers, poets, critics, academics, filmmakers, artistes and readers.
