The HSBC Ceylon Literary and Arts Festival, held from February 13-15, 2026, at Cinnamon Lakeside in Colombo, Sri Lanka, celebrated the country's cultural richness despite past disturbances. The festival commenced with a traditional performance and featured various literary discussions. Notable sessions included author Shyam Selvadurai discussing his novel *Mansions of the Moon*, emphasizing the quest for identity. Julia Quinn, known for her Netflix-adapted Regency romance novels, shared her transition from medicine to writing, highlighting the challenges of being recognized for her series rather than her books. Other sessions explored the significance of memory with authors like Aanchal Malhotra and the impact of travel on understanding culture. The festival also addressed contemporary issues, such as the divide between traditional and social media, with discussions led by Mimi Alphonsus and Riz Razak. The event concluded with a focus on the importance of storytelling and the influence of ancestry on identity. Overall, the festival showcased the multifaceted intellectual life in Sri Lanka, featuring activities for children and performances that celebrated resilience.