Literary luminaries from around globe

Celebrated as the ‘World’s No. 1 Literary Festival’ by Harper’s Bazaar, the much-anticipated Galle Literary Festival once again graced the iconic landmark of Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse, offering an exhilarating journey of literature and culture. Since the festival’s inception, Jetwing Lighthouse served as a partner, extending a warm welcome and steadfast support to literary luminaries from around the globe.

The opening event, dinner and arrack tasting at the hotel’s signature poolside restaurant “Nihal’s”, provided a captivating experience featuring Shehan Karunathilaka, acclaimed booker prize winner and author of The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, alongside Karan Gokani, renowned restaurateur and author of the ‘Hoppers’ Cookbook.

Reflecting fondly on his visits to Jetwing Lighthouse, Gokani praised the property’s idyllic setting and captivating ambience, stating, “What’s not to love about Jetwing Lighthouse? I first came here as a tourist, when I was visiting Galle many years ago, and I came and saw this beautiful property. It’s just the way it is set, it is almost created for this location.”

Jetwing Lighthouse has had the honour of welcoming an impressive line-up of acclaimed authors and insightful speakers, including British journalist and co-author of I Am Malala, Christina Lamb, Tom Parker Bowles, Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Nayomi Munaweera, Amanthi Harris, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Mary Beard, Janice Pariat, Marguerite Richards, Sujit Sivasundaram, and Jeremy Lee.

Designed by the world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, Jetwing Lighthouse encapsulates the charming essence of ‘architecture and art’ that lingers in every space, making it an ideal place to immerse in the richness of art and culture. Nestled on a rocky promontory along the picturesque Galle shoreline, this coastal haven comprises 85 luxury rooms and themed suites, two stunning swimming pools, and breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean, offering unparalleled spaces to experience the best of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.

With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, with ongoing initiatives focused on community upliftment, environment conservation, and resource efficiency. The brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of luxury hotels and villas, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.