The Jam Fruit Tree Publications, one of the leading English publishing houses in Sri Lanka marked another milestone this year, with its authors securing eight nominations including two wins at The State Literary Awards 2025. The recognition reflects the publishing house’s continued dedication to nurturing local literary talent and championing bold, distinctive voices in all genres of writing.
Sivanandini Duraiswamy, whose book “My Diplomat” got nominated for Best Original Work on Varied Subjects, said:
“I felt great that I was nominated at the State Literary Awards 2025 for my publication My Diplomat. I understand that 30,000 English language works published in Sri Lanka in 2024 were submitted for consideration out of which thirty English language publications for the State Literary Awards. My publication was considered one of the three nominations in the category “Best Original Work on Varied Subjects”. [Knock wood]. The news came out of the blue on the eve of the Award ceremony and was far beyond my expectations. Writing my husband’s biography was lovely! Receiving the accolade was great!”
Charminstar Wijereratne, who got nominated and won the prize for Best Original Children’s Literature Winner for her book, “Who’s the Thief? And Other Stories” shared her experience as well:
“All glory to God! None of this would have been possible without Him. At the State Literary Award Ceremony, when my name was announced as the winner in the Original Children’s Literature Category, I felt a mix of surprise, excitement and joy!! Honestly, it was like a dream… It took a moment to sink in, that all the love and hard work I had put into my writing had truly been seen! Seen and recognised by my COUNTRY!!
I felt proud, but even more deeply grateful. This State Literary Award means so much to me because it reflects the challenges I’ve overcome, the growth I’ve embraced, and the journey God has guided me through. It is a reminder that dedication, perseverance, and faith do pay off!”
Naomi Berman, whose book “The Adventures of Sparkles & Pandy: Sparkles and Pandy Go to Galle” got nominated for Best Original Children’s Literature, stated:
“I am truly honoured and humbled to have been nominated for a State Literary Award. It was a moment that validated all the love, effort, and imagination poured into each page. Knowing that my story made an impact strong enough to earn such recognition filled me with gratitude, pride, and a renewed excitement to keep creating for young readers.”
Krishanthi Anandawansa, who got nominated and won the award for Best Original Academic and Research Texts for her book, “Lacanian Eye on Salman Rushdie” remarked:
“Winning the State Literary Award for the best Original Academic and Research Text of year 2024 was a landmark achievement in my life, and I must say that the winning moment was an ethereal experience. I felt humbly honored and grateful to receive the award from the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs at Temple Trees on the evening hours of 18th September. The happiness of witnessing many years of hard work and dedication, and a matter so close to my heart to come to this kind of fruitful appreciation is inexplicable. I sincerely thank everyone who helped along the way from the inception of the idea of producing a book of this nature till date – this award would not have been possible without the support and encouragement you have given. Thank you for making me strive to do more!”
Once again for the category of Best Children’s Literature, Neloma Wijesinghe’s book, “Sounds Like Fun” got nominated, and the author stated this:
“I’d say… it caught me by surprise – completely ‘stoked’! It’s such an honour to have one’s work nominated at the State Literary Awards. It felt surreal. Once I had digested the news, my surprise and delight turned into a sense of gratitude to all those who had encouraged me to share my work. It felt incredibly wonderful to know that my lines had been appreciated by the gurus. It gave me the courage to continue this humble journey. I hope the verses penned for the little ones in Sounds Like Fun bring them much joy and fill them with a sense of wonder and love for poetry.”
Shannel Pinidiya, whose book “Dear Leo,” got nominated for the category of Best Original Youth Literature, said:
“Getting nominated for the second time was a surreal feeling, and this time the nomination felt far more precious. Since my first collection of short stories was nominated, I never expected to relive that excitement or ‘on your toes’ feeling again. Perhaps, it’s because I’ve grown up in two years, but
this time around, it felt more real and more like a sensation I could hold on to.
“Dear Leo, is a book I wrote about children for children, so being nominated for Youth Literature was a full circle moment. The novella is about war, and the children who suffer its consequences, no matter what part of the world they hail from, therefore, it’s a story I hold close to my heart and I hope it touches the hearts of readers too.”
Ann Mendis got nominated for the Best Cover Design for the same book, “Tea Without Sugar” and shared her experience at the awards ceremony as well:
“I felt really grateful and happy to be nominated for the State Literary Awards. It was a lovely surprise, and it honestly means a lot to be selected among so many talented artists. It’s very encouraging and makes me feel seen in my creative journey, and it motivates me to keep growing.”
Late Russell Tennakoon’s book, “Tea Without Sugar” also got nominated for Best Original Work on Varied Subjects, and his daughter shared her thoughts:
“I am deeply honored to accept this nomination at the State Literary Awards on behalf of my late father. His book, a gentle collection of his musings and meanderings as a tea planter in Sri Lanka, was something he dreamed of publishing for many years. We were finally able to bring it to life shortly before his passing, and holding it in his hands brought him immense joy. To see his work recognised in this way would have meant so much to him, and our family is profoundly grateful for this tribute to his voice and legacy.”
The nominations and awards stand as a testament to the Sri Lankan authors who carried their stories with such quiet courage. Every page they shaped brought them here and their achievements highlight the depth of talent and underscore the literary strength they bring to Sri Lankan literature. These successes celebrate their commitment, passion and hard work and also serve as an inspiration for many more writers, encouraging others to explore their own stories and contribute to the field in the years to come.
[by Gayanga Dissanayake]