Readers in Sri Lanka look forward to September year after year because with September comes the Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF). Hundreds of readers from across the country flock to BMICH, and spend their savings on novels, translations, magazines, and stationery. The CIBF coincides with International Literacy Day, which falls on 8 September, as well as Literacy Month, which is September.
According to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), International Literacy Day has been celebrated since 1967, taking place annually to remind people of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. UNESCO highlights the importance of 2022 celebrations, saying that in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, nearly 24 million learners may never return to formal education, out of which, 11 million are projected to be girls and young women.
“To ensure no one is left behind, we need to enrich and transform the existing learning spaces through an integrated approach, and enable literacy learning in the perspective of lifelong learning,” UNESCO states. This year’s theme is “Transforming literacy learning spaces” and will be an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.
In celebration of Literacy Month, The Morning Brunch took a look at key moments that would be of interest to literary enthusiasts in the country as well as events taking place this month.
Amanda Jayatissa wins a Thriller Award for ‘My Sweet Girl’
Amanda Jayatissa’s novel My Sweet Girl was recognised by the International Thriller Writers (ITW) as the best first novel on 5 June, and she even spoke at one of the CraftFest classes during the Thriller Fest, on the topic “Plotter vs. Pantser: Which is right for you?” The highlight of the conference for Jayatissa, however, was meeting an author most of us love for his Goosebumps series, R.L. Stine, who tweeted: “Congratulations, Amanda. I loved meeting you and I can’t wait to read your book!” Her latest novel You’re Invited was released last month.
Ashok Ferrey wins the Gratiaen for ‘The Unmarriageable Man’
On 22 June, the winner of the prestigious Gratiaen Prize 2021 was announced, and the award went to Ashok Ferrey for his latest novel, The Unmarriageable Man. Accepting the prize, Ferrey said:
“The victory is tinged with a little sadness because I can no longer use my tagline: always a bridesmaid, never the bride. So this victory is for all you bridesmaids out there because the message is: If this idiot can do it, any idiot can”
Ashok Ferrey, accepting the Gratiaen Prize 2021
Shehan Karunatilaka is longlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, which many of us know as Chats with the Dead, secured author Shehan Karunatilaka a spot in this year’s Booker Prize longlist. The winner of the prize will be announced on 17 October, and Sri Lankan literary enthusiasts are no doubt hoping to see the author’s name among the shortlist, which will be announced on 6 September. Earlier this year, Karunathilaka’s Chinaman was listed as a Big Jubilee Read, a campaign to promote reading for pleasure and to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
Online book sale by Perera Hussein Publishing House
In celebration of Literacy Month, Perera Hussein Publishing House will be holding a month-long online book sale, with discounts between 30% and 50%. “The early bird gets the worm, so don’t delay, get online and see what books you can snag for your personal library,” it announced. Perera Hussein was formed in 2003 to enable and encourage talented South Asian writers to gain exposure and recognition by publishing their work.
Colombo International Book Fair
The much-awaited Colombo International Book Fair, organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association, will be held at BMICH from 16 September to 25 September. Readers can make their way to the venue between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and have their picks of local and foreign publications ranging from fiction, short stories, poetry, translations, children’s books, and many more.
