PEN Sri Lanka proudly participated in the 2025 Galle Literary Festival (GLF) with a captivating discussion on Tea Stained Lines, an anthology that brings the lives and voices of Tamil poets from the island’s tea estates to the forefront. The session, held on February 6th at the Galle Fort Art Gallery, featured renowned authors Sadeesh Krishnapillei , M. Thilakarajah, and Annal Glory, who shared their moving poetry with an engaged audience.
The interactive poetry recital and Q&A session explored the creative journey behind Tea Stained Lines, reflecting on the importance of showcasing poets from often-overlooked communities. Attendees were deeply moved by the evocative readings, which shed light on the struggles, hopes, and resilience of the Upcountry Tamil community.
The Voice for the Voiceless project by PEN Sri Lanka reached a significant milestone with the book launch of Tea Stained Lines on September 11, 2024, at the Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo. This stirring collection, featuring heartfelt poems by 20 talented Tamil poets, was successfully brought to life through the dedicated efforts of Pathum Wickramarathne, General Secretary of PEN Sri Lanka, Mr. Upul Janaka Jayasinghe, President of PEN Sri Lanka and Mrs .Gayani palliyaarachchi , chairperson of translation and linguistic committee. Their leadership and commitment played a crucial role in bringing the project to fruition.
The Tea Stained Lines – An Afternoon of Poetry session at GLF was a truly immersive experience, combining literary artistry with the rich flavors of artisanal tea and cake, generously sponsored by the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA). The event provided a space for literary enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions while savoring some of Sri Lanka’s finest teas.
PEN Sri Lanka was delighted to be part of GLF 2025, celebrating literature, culture, and the unique voices of Tamil poets from the tea estates. The festival offered a platform not only to share these poignant narratives but also to experience the diverse local flavors and traditions that make Sri Lanka’s literary landscape so vibrant.
PEN Sri Lanka extends its heartfelt gratitude to all guests who attended the session and supported the initiative. Their presence and enthusiasm reaffirmed the importance of literary platforms in giving voice to marginalized communities and fostering cross-cultural appreciation through poetry.
