Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is partnering with Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka and New Zealand alumnus at the Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) from 25 September to 4 October, bringing students, aspiring writers, educators and readers together through a series of literary engagements celebrating storytelling, imagination and learning.
Shehan Karunatilaka, Book Prize-winning author and New Zealand alumnus
As part of the programme, Karunatilaka will participate in conversations with school and university students, share insights into his writing journey, and lead a special creative writing workshop for winners of the Education New Zealand Short Story Challenge.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from teachers, mentors and artists who helped shape my writing,” says Karunatilaka. “This collaboration lets me share some experiences with young writers and encourage them to keep reading, creating and questioning. If they’re dedicated to their craft, they may well discover new voices and unearth new stories.”
Author of the 2022 Booker Prize-winning novel The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, Karunatilaka is widely recognised for works that challenge perspectives and spark meaningful conversations. His sessions at CIBF will explore the role of stories in shaping how we understand ourselves, one another and the world around us.
“Stories have a unique ability to expand horizons, build empathy and encourage us to see the world differently,” notes Monika Chaudhary, Market Manager, Sri Lanka, ENZ. “Through our partnership with Shehan, we hope to encourage young people to read widely, think independently, express themselves creatively and discover the opportunities that learning can unlock.”
The collaboration underscores ENZ’s commitment to promoting an education experience that extends beyond academic achievement. New Zealand’s learner-centred approach encourages students to question ideas, apply knowledge in real-world contexts and engage with diverse perspectives, helping students develop skills that remain valuable throughout their lives and careers.
Literature and storytelling play an important role in that journey. Reading nurtures curiosity and cultural understanding, while writing develops communication, critical thinking and self-expression. These capabilities are increasingly important as young people prepare to navigate a world that is more interconnected than ever before.
Youth will have opportunities to engage directly with Shehan, gaining practical insights into the creative process and the discipline required to transform ideas into compelling stories.
By bringing together one of the region’s most celebrated authors and emerging young writers, ENZ aims to create meaningful discussions about the value of literature, creativity and lifelong learning.
ENZ will also highlight the wider benefits of an international education, one that combines academic quality with opportunities for personal development, cultural exchange and global connection.
For students considering their future, education is increasingly about gaining the knowledge, perspective and adaptability needed to thrive in a changing world. It is these qualities, alongside academic success, that enable individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
About Shehan Karunatilaka
Shehan Karunatilaka is the author of the Booker Prize-winning novel The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida and the Commonwealth Prize-winning Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew. His work has been translated into 36 languages and spans novels, short stories, children’s literature, journalism and screenwriting.
About Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ)
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao is the New Zealand Government agency responsible for building international education connections and promoting New Zealand as a study destination.
New Zealand offers a world-class education experience that combines academic excellence with creativity, cultural understanding, wellbeing and experiential learning. Through supportive and inclusive learning environments, students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in an increasingly connected and rapidly changing world.