In the hallowed halls of Sri Lankan letters, where the ink of history meets the vibrancy of modern storytelling, few accolades carry the weight and prestige of the Gratiaen Prize. On the evening of 6 June 2026, the local literary community and well-wishers from the global Sri Lankan community gathered at The Studio, Cinnamon Life in Colombo, to witness a historic moment. With the grace of a seasoned veteran and the heart of a storyteller, Visakesa Chandrasekaram was announced as the winner of the 33rd Gratiaen Prize for his evocative and challenging novel, The Son and The Lover.
This victory marks a significant milestone in the prize’s history, as Chandrasekaram becomes the first-ever two-time winner of this coveted award, having previously secured the honour for his work Forbidden Area. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the thriving state of Sri Lankan English literature and the enduring legacy of the prize’s founder, Michael Ondaatje.
A Legacy of Literary Excellence
The Gratiaen Prize is not merely an award; it is a cultural institution. Established in 1992 by the Booker Prize-winning author Michael Ondaatje, the prize was funded by his own winnings for The English Patient. Named in memory of his mother, Doris Gratiaen, the trust was created to nurture and celebrate the creative pulse of Sri Lankans writing in English. Since its inception, it has served as a launchpad for voices that might otherwise have remained unheard, bridging the gap between local talent and a worldwide audience.
For over three decades, the Gratiaen Trust has remained steadfast in its mission. Each year, the prize is awarded to the best work of creative fiction, poetry, or drama, as judged by a panel of experts who represent the three pillars of literature: the writer, the academic, and the informed reader. In 2026, the stakes were high, and the competition was fierce, reflecting a year replete with exceptional talent.
The Winning Work: ‘The Son and The Lover’
When the jury chair, V. V. Ganeshananthan, stepped to the podium to announce the winner, the room fell into a respectful silence. The citation for The Son and The Lover was as profound as the work itself. The novel was lauded for its “intimate understanding of queer desire whilst questioning Buddhist ideologies,” a brave exploration that the judges noted “defies ‘escape narratives’ by seeking hope within local spiritual borders.”
Visakesa Chandrasekaram, a man of many hats, writer, filmmaker, and lawyer, has long been known for his ability to weave complex social issues into compelling narratives. His win for The Son and The Lover is not just a personal triumph but a win for literature that pushes boundaries. The novel delves into the intricacies of identity and faith, offering a steady and informative rhythm that challenges the reader while providing a deeply grounded perspective on the Sri Lankan experience.
Meet the Distinguished Judging Panel
The selection of a winner for the 33rd Gratiaen Prize was the culmination of months of rigorous reading and debate by a panel of three distinguished individuals. This year’s jury was instrumental in maintaining the high standards for which the prize is known.
The 2026 panel was chaired by V. V. Ganeshananthan, a globally acclaimed novelist whose recent work, Brotherless Night, clinched both the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Carol Shields Prize. Joining her were Dinidu Karunanayake, an Assistant Professor of English at Elon University with a specialised focus on postcolonial literature, and Azara Jaleel, the visionary Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine.
Together, they brought a wealth of experience and a critical eye to the process, ensuring that the chosen winner reflected the very best of contemporary Sri Lankan writing. Their task was unenviable, given the calibre of the works submitted.
The 2026 Shortlist: A Showcase of Talent
While Visakesa Chandrasekaram took home the golden prize, the evening was a celebration of all the shortlisted authors. The 33rd Gratiaen Prize shortlist featured five distinct voices, each contributing a unique thread to the tapestry of our national literature.
The shortlisted authors and their titles were:
- Aneesha Ansar for @#$%!: Daham – A vibrant work that captured the attention of the judges with its modern edge.
- Alan de Costa for Dear Father; The Refugee – A poignant exploration of displacement and the familial bond.
- Ekeli Anuththara for God, Bangles and a Constitution – A novel that cleverly weaves legal themes with cultural nuances.
- Uvini Atukorala for In the Curve of the Smile – A narrative noted for its delicate prose and emotional depth.
- Visakesa Chandrasekaram for The Son and The Lover – The eventual winner and a masterpiece of modern fiction.
Each of these writers represents the antithesis of stagnant literature; they are dynamic, daring, and deeply committed to their craft. Their inclusion in the shortlist is a testament to their skill and the bright future of the global Sri Lankan community’s literary output.
Celebrating Our Community
At eLanka, we take immense pride in sharing and celebrating positive stories about Sri Lankans worldwide. The success of Visakesa Chandrasekaram and his fellow authors is a reminder of the intellectual and creative wealth that resides within our community. Whether you are reading from Sydney, London, Toronto, or Colombo, these stories connect us to our heritage and to each other.
Literature has the power to serve as a bridge, much like eLanka has done since 2005. We encourage our readers to seek out these works, support our local authors, and engage with the stories that define us. The Gratiaen Prize continues to be a beacon of excellence, and we look forward to many more years of “words of gold” from our talented writers.
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Congratulations once again to Visakesa Chandrasekaram on this historic achievement!
Source: https://www.thesun.lk/the_sun_society/33rd-Gratiaen-Prize-Winner-Announced/563-305392
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