Friends of the Trust

 

Angeline Ondaatjie and Saif Jafferjee

Avanti Moonesinghe and Murtaza Esufally

Azra Jafferjee and Christoph Feyen

Anonymous Friend

We, at the Gratiaen Trust, are proud to witness the coming-of-age of English creative writing in Sri Lanka. Authors are finding more confidence in their voice. They are now more adventurous with the themes, genres and writing styles they explore.   Their stories are being heard and given due recognition in Sri Lanka and beyond.  As they take their place on the Sri Lankan and world literary stage, we feel a deep sense of satisfaction to be a part of this incredible journey for Sri Lankan storytelling.

The Gratiaen Trust was founded in 1992 by Michael Ondaatje to recognize and promote creative writing in English by Sri Lankan authors resident in the country. The Gratiaen Prize, and the H.A.I. Goonetileke Prize for translation, our flagship endeavours, have grown to be amongst the most coveted literary prizes in Sri Lanka. They not only give recognition and encouragement to creative writers, but also act as a bridge to the world of publishing. 

Over the years, The Trust has supported writers develop their craft by curating workshops and masterclasses. We have helped writers connect with wider audiences through outreach programs and panel events. We have established channels of communication between individuals and organizations from the world of literature and the arts, both in the region and beyond. For us, our biggest success however, is the overwhelming response to all our programs from young writers brimming with fresh, creative ideas. Please visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to learn of our activities.

Ours in an ongoing journey to promote and support English creative writing in Sri Lanka and we ask you, as lovers of literature and supporters of the arts, to join us in our efforts. 

The Gratiaen Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees who volunteer their time to ensure the successful delivery of its various projects. The Trust also seeks sponsorships and individual contributions to ensure financial sustainability so that its literary programmes are delivered unhindered. All donations go directly to the Trust endowment which funds the annual prize money and supports the execution of its projects. 

You can support us by being a part of the Friends of the Trust programme 2025-26

You can be 

  • A Friend of The Gratiaen Trust – Platinum (Contribution of Rs 1 million and above) 
    Acknowledgement on our Website for a year (with link to partners webpage) 
    Acknowledgement in our address at the 32nd Gratiaen Prize Main event 
    Option to become a key partner at an event in our annual calendar 
    Invitations for six to the 32nd Gratiaen Prize Main event

  • A Friend of The Gratiaen Trust – Gold (Contribution of Rs 500,000 and above) 
    Acknowledgement on our Website for a year (with link to partners webpage) 
    Acknowledgement in our address at the 32nd Gratiaen Prize Main event 
    Invitations for four to the 32nd Gratiaen Prize Main event

  • A Friend of The Gratiaen Trust - Silver (Contributions of Rs 100,000 – 500,000) 
    Acknowledgement on our Website for a year
    Invitation for two to the 32nd Gratiaen Prize Main event


If you want to be a Friend of the Gratiaen Trust please contact us at: [email protected]

Thank You!