State Literary Awards 2026 held under President’s patronage
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the prestigious “Sahithyarathna” Lifetime Achievement Awards to three senior literary figures at the 67th State Literary Awards Ceremony held in Colombo yesterday (September 8).
The State Literary Awards Ceremony 2026 was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of the President, recognising writers and literary personalities who made outstanding contributions to Sri Lanka’s literary field.
The ceremony was jointly organised by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the Advisory Board of Literature.
A large number of writers received State Awards for outstanding literary contributions made during 2025, covering more than 50 categories.
President Dissanayake also presented the “Sahithyarathna” Lifetime Achievement Awards, which are awarded only once in a person’s lifetime, to three distinguished literary personalities representing the Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.
Veteran poet Parakrama Kodituwakku received the “Sahithyarathna” Award for his contribution to Sinhala literature, while distinguished poet Somasundarampillai Padmanathan was honoured for his contribution to Tamil literature.
Emeritus Professor E. A. Gamini Fonseka received the award for his contribution to English literature.
The collection of books that received literary awards in 2026, the commemorative publication and the Literary Journal 2026, published in Sinhala, Tamil and English, were also presented to the President during the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said Sri Lanka had been placed on a path of progress during the past two years, describing the period as one of social transformation.
He said the government viewed this transformation as a civilisational change and an investment, adding that the contribution made by the arts and cultural sector towards this process had been significant.
The Minister said the country’s arts and cultural policy was based on the vision, “An elevated cultural life – an empathetic people,” and that the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and its nine affiliated sub-councils were carrying out a substantial programme of work under this policy.
Speaking about the three recipients of the “Sahithyarathna” Awards, Dr. Senevi said Parakrama Kodituwakku had made an immeasurable contribution to the development of poetry in Sri Lanka.
He noted that Kodituwakku published his poetry collection “Podi Malliye” in 1973 and continued his literary work through to his latest poetry collection, “Sandaeliyehi Waradak Nehe,” in 2026. The Minister also highlighted his contribution as a social activist and mentor.
Referring to Emeritus Professor E. A. Gamini Fonseka, the Minister said he had worked with him as a lecturer at Sabaragamuwa University approximately 25 years ago and said Professor Fonseka had dedicated his life to teaching the English language and English literature.
He also noted that Somasundarampillai Padmanathan had received several honours during his literary career, including the “Yaal” Award, the “Siva Tamil” Award and the “Yaal Muthu” Award.
Dr. Senevi said several important steps had been taken in Sri Lanka’s arts and cultural sector during the past two years.
Among them was the formulation of a national framework for the promotion of contemporary art, which he said had been a longstanding requirement.
The Minister said that, in addition to funds allocated to the Ministry, President Dissanayake had taken steps to allocate Rs. 50 million through the previous Budget for the development of the literary sector.
He said the funds were being used to obtain equipment needed for multicultural centres, with particular attention given to improving opportunities for people interested in the arts who live in remote villages.
The Minister also said the amendment of the Arts Council of Ceylon Act had been completed.
Five other pieces of legislation coming under the Ministry are also being amended or newly formulated, he said, adding that these changes were necessary to allow the relevant sectors to move forward without obstacles while adapting to modern requirements.
Dr. Senevi further said that, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the National Film Corporation had prepared a film to represent the country for consideration for the Oscars.
He said these developments showed that Sri Lanka’s arts and cultural sector was continuing to move forward and congratulated all literary personalities who received State Awards at the ceremony.
The Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Ministry Secretary Prince Senadheera, Director of Cultural Affairs K. S. Dilhani, Arts Council of Sri Lanka Chairman Keerthi Welisarage and State Literary Advisory Board Chairman Kamal Perera attended the event.
Scholars, writers, artists and a large number of other distinguished guests were also present.