State Literary Awards Ceremony – 2026

Acceptance of Books Published in 2025 for Evaluation

The Department of Cultural Affairs, together with the Sri Lanka Arts Council and the State Panel of Literature, has announced the acceptance of books published in the year 2025 for evaluation at the State Literary Awards Ceremony 2026.

📚 Eligibility Criteria

• Books must be first printed and published between 01 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.

• Three (3) copies of each book must be submitted.

• Books must exceed 49 pages.

• Children's books must exceed 16 pages.

• Books published in Sinhala, Tamil, and English are eligible.

• For translated works, a copy of the original source book must also be submitted.

Books registered with the Department of National Archives will be accepted. Arrangements have also been made to accept books not yet submitted to the National Archives.

📌 Submission Details

Completed applications along with book copies can be:

• Sent via registered post, or

• Hand-delivered to:

Director
Department of Cultural Affairs
8th Floor, Sethsiripaya Stage I
Battaramulla

🗓 Closing Date: 09 March 2026

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📞 For Further Information

• Secretary, State Literary Advisory Board: 011-2872031 / 011-2866731

• General Inquiry: 070-2448876

Authors and publishers are kindly requested to submit eligible books before the deadline to be considered for the State Literary Awards 2026.