Vidarshana Literary Prize 2025 Celebrates Excellence in Sri Lankan Literature

Launched in 2024, the Vidarshana Literary Prize was established with the purpose of recognizing, encouraging, and celebrating outstanding literary talents in Sri Lanka. Within a short period, the award has grown into a respected cultural platform that highlights the richness and diversity of contemporary Sri Lankan writing.

For the 2025 edition, unpublished manuscripts were invited in five categories:

• Sinhala Novels

• Sinhala Short Story Collections

• Sinhala Poetry Collections

• Sinhala Translations

• English Translations

A large number of manuscripts were received from writers across the country, which was followed by a rigorous and transparent evaluation process conducted by an independent jury board; three shortlisted manuscripts were selected in each category, from which one winner per category was chosen for the final award.

Winners 

The winners of the Vidarshana Literary Prize 2025 are:

• Sinhala Novel: Lihil Boththam by Nishamani Adasuriya

• Sinhala Short Story Collection: Estrogen by Surekha Samarasena

• Sinhala Translation: Ak Mul Sindee Giya Pasu (Namesake by Jumpa Lahiri) by Jeewa Varnakulasooriya David

• English Translation: When in the End Silence Itself Begins to Speak (අන්තිමට නිහඩබවම කතා කරන්න ගත්තම - Prabhath jayasooriya) By Dinuka Wijetunga

• No poetry collection was selected by the jury board due to insufficient performance level.
  
  
  

The awards ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of literary and cultural figures. Many leading authors, poets, translators, and members of Sri Lanka’s arts and cultural community were present, making the evening a meaningful celebration of literature. 

Winners of the Vidarshana Literary Prize 2024, also attended the event, adding continuity and inspiration to the occasion.

The Vidarshana Literary Prize 2025 reaffirmed Vidarshana Publishers’ commitment to nurturing literary excellence and providing a credible national platform for emerging and established writers. With its growing recognition and impact, the award continues to play a significant role in strengthening Sri Lankan literature