New Ink Forum is a non-affiliated and independent literature forum for newly-published Sri Lankan English writing organised annually by a team of literary-enthusiasts.
New Ink was founded in 2020 and will convene for its third forum in July 2022. The event will consist of five panels in which writers, academics, and critics speak and present their work. It will be held on Saturday July 2, 2022 at the Lakmahal Community Library (No. 8 A, Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 03); from 10 am to 4 pm. Entrance is free.
Attendees can expect to see 26 authors, creative practitioners, and academics coming together to participate in this year’s New Ink. A parallel virtual space with readings from eight writers will also be aired online through the New Ink blog just prior to the main event.
A diverse array of books will be featured, covering poetry, novels and short stories. The participants include renowned Sri Lankan authors such as Ashok Ferrey, Shehan Karunatilaka, and Manuka Wijesinghe; and writers – like Marianne David and Upali Mahaliyana – whose work were spotted among prize-lists and leading discussion forums.
The forum will also include a keynote address on “creativity as protest in a country like ours” delivered by Dr. Shashikala Assella, the Head of the English Department, University of Kelaniya; and a discussion comprising leading literary prize judges sharing conversation on writing the winning book. Attendees can also buy copies of the books featured at the forum.