The 12th Galle Literary Festival (GLF) successfully concluded its run from February 6th to 9th, 2025, establishing the scenic maritime city of Galle as the premier destination for literary lovers worldwide. The festival drew thousands to the historic Galle Fort and surrounding areas, selling over 5,500 tickets and offering a rich program of more than 150 panel discussions, workshops, and entertainment events featuring an exceptional roster of speakers.
PEN Sri Lanka brought the poignant voices of Tamil poets from Sri Lanka’s tea estates to the 2025 Galle Literary Festival (GLF) at a session held on February 6th at the Galle Fort Art Gallery. Talented authors Sadeesh Krishnapillei, M. Thilakarajah, and Annal Glory shared their powerful work from the anthology “Tea Stained Lines” with an attentive audience, bringing the lives of the tea estate Tamils of South Indian origin to the forefront.The interactive poem recital and Q & A session reflected on the process of creating the collection of poems, and the importance of showcasing poets from an often-overlooked part of the island.
The ‘Voice for the Voiceless project by PEN-Sri Lanka came to fruition with the book launch of “Tea Stained Lines”, a stirring collection of heartfelt poems penned by 20 talented Tamil poets from the Upcountry tea estates, on the 11th of September 2024, at the Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo. The project, successfully spearheaded by the General Secretary of Pen Sri Lanka, Pathum Wickramarathne.
Reflecting on the community’s long history in Sri Lanka, poet M. Thilakarajah stated, “It has been over 200 years since the upcountry Tamil people arrived in Sri Lanka, contributing significantly to the economy and development of this nation. I, too, am part of this community. We do not wish to divide this country or live separately as Indian Tamils. What we seek is the affirmation of our right to live with dignity as citizens of this nation.” He praised ”Tea Stained Lines” for its importance in conveying the thoughts, aspirations, and emotions of the Hill Country Tamil community to both the Sinhala community and the globall audience. “This book is unique in its role, bringing our voices to a wider platform and fostering understanding,
The Tea Stained Lines Session– An Afternoon of Poetry at GLF was a truly engaging experience, combining literary artistry with the flavours of artisanal tea and cake, sponsored by the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA). The event provided a space for literary enthusiasts to engage in interactive discussions while sampling some of Sri Lanka’s finest teas.
About Pen Sri Lanka and Tea Stained Lines
PEN Sri Lanka, is the newest branch of PEN International,having recently joined this esteemed worldwide organisation of writers in 2022. The mission of PEN Sri Lanka is to promote literature and freedom of expression, and to defend the rights of writers and readers in the island. The project,“Tea Stained Lines – Voice for the Voiceless- Identifying, Appreciation and Preserving the Poetic Works of the Forgotten Up-country“ is a testament to PEN International principles. The projected provided a platform for 20 unsung Tamil Poets of South Indian origin to express their thoughts and ideas, bringing them into the limelight.
About Pen International –
PEN International is a worldwide association of writers, founded in London in 1921 to promote friendship and intellectual co-operation among writers everywhere. The association has autonomous International PEN centres in more than 100 countries. PEN Sri Lanka, the newest branch of PEN International,recently joined this esteemed worldwide organisation of writers in 2022. The mission of PEN Sri Lanka is to promote literature and freedom of expression, and to defend the rights of writers and readers in the island.
