Power of the Book (livestream)

Ashok Ferrey has been many things: failed builder, indifferent mathematician, barman and personal trainer to the rich and the infamous. He is also an author. Ashok’s first two books, Colpetty People and The Good Little Ceylonese Girl, were each shortlisted for Sri Lanka’s Gratiaen Award and his third, the novel Serendipity, was shortlisted for the State Literary Award of 2009. He currently hosts an arts programme, The Ashok Ferrey Show, on Sri Lankan national television. 

Lal Medawattegedara teaches English Literature at the Open University of Sri Lanka. His has published three books: The Window Cleaner’s Soul (short-listed: 2002 Gratiaen Prize) and Can you hear me running (Zeus Publications: 2006) and his first novel Playing Pillow Politics at MGK won the 2012 Gratiaen Prize. His work has been featured on BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, Times of India, Khaleej Times & Himal.  He is presently writing his second novel. 

Sunethra Rajakarunanayake has written 39 books in both Sinhala and English and received many awards, including 4 Arts Council and 2 Golden Book awards. Sunethra has won awards for her contribution to print and electronic media. She has written 10 other books on development issues. Her wanderlust has taken her across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia, parts of China and California. Sambol+, a collection of short stories was shortlisted for the Gratiaen Award in 2004. 

Cortina Butler is Director Literature at the British Council. She has more than 30 years’ experience working in the international publishing industry, most recently as Global Editor-in-Chief for the Reader’s Digest Association where she was responsible for delivering the programme of fiction and non-fiction books and music, video and digital products for the Reader's Digest companies worldwide.