The 16th Vidyodaya Literary Awards ceremony took place on September 1, 2025, at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Organized annually by the faculty, this event holds the distinction of being the only literary awards ceremony in Sri Lanka to be hosted by a university. It serves as a vital platform for recognizing the best of contemporary Sri Lankan literature.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Senior Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The event brought together academics and journalists to celebrate the country’s literary accomplishments.
Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted the awards’ role in promoting contemporary literature. He emphasized that academic engagement with these works fosters a broader conversation that benefits both the academic community and future generations.
With a focus on collaboration with leading publishers, the Vidyodaya Literary Awards continue to be a crucial platform for recognizing and celebrating Sri Lankan literary talent across various genres, thereby enriching the nation’s literary landscape.
The awards were given in six categories:
- Best Academic Book: Sinhala Akshara Vinyasaya by Ven. Ginikatuwawe Vipula Thero
- Best Lyric Collection: Pudasunaka Nisala Bawa by Suneth Rupasinghe
- Best Column/Feature Collection: Balsak Café by Manjula Wediwardhana
- Best Poetry Collection: Madurawathi Nam Tharu Ratawa by Timran Keerthi
- Best Short Story Collection: Mahajana Pharmaciya by Erik Ilayaparachchi
- Best Novel: Vaapi by Mahinda Chandrasekara
