27th Godage National Literary Awards ceremony concluded successfully

Organized annually by Godage Publishing House, the prestigious event was held under the patronage of Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Senior Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa delivered the keynote address.

Awards were presented across nine categories, with notable winners including Eric Ilayapparachchi for Sandagamana (Best Novel), Sepali Mayadunne for Thundu Liyanna (Best Short Story Collection), Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi for Politics of Authenticity and Aesthetics (Best Translation), and Tharindra Galahena for How Sad Are These Closed Doors and Windows? (Best Poetry Collection).

Other winners were Sagara Sirisooriya (Nimaviya Amavaka – Best Youth Novel), Manjula Wediwardena (Balzac Café – Best Essay Collection), and Sanjaya Wickramarachchi (Lovi Hinawa – Best Children’s Book).

Joint awards for Best Academic Work went to Ven. Ginikatue Wipula Thero (Sinhala Orthography) and Prof. K. N. O. Dharmadasa (Studies on Linguistic Nationalism). Vijitha Gunaratne was recognized for Drama Directing and Stage Craft in the drama category.

The Godage National Literary Awards have become a key cultural event, inspiring new talent while honoring veteran authors, and continuing to enrich Sri Lanka’s literary tradition.