Shehan Karunatilaka

Shehan Karunatilaka is a renowned Sri Lankan writer born in 1975 in Galle, a picturesque city in southern Sri Lanka. Raised in Colombo, the capital of the country, he embarked on an academic journey that eventually led him to literary acclaim. His educational path took him to S. Thomas’ Preparatory School in Kollupitiya, Sri Lanka, followed by studies in New Zealand at Whanganui Collegiate School and Massey University, where he pursued a degree in English literature. Interestingly, his choice of English literature was against his family’s preference for him to study business administration.

Before making his literary debut in 2010 with his novel “Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew,” Shehan Karunatilaka ventured into the world of advertising, working at prominent agencies such as McCann, Iris, and BBDO. Additionally, his versatile talents extended to music, as he played bass with notable Sri Lankan rock bands like Independent Square and Powercut Circus, as well as the Brass Monkey Band.

Beyond his literary accomplishments, Shehan Karunatilaka has made a significant impact in the world of journalism and feature writing. His articles have graced the pages of esteemed publications like The Guardian, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, GQ, National Geographic, Conde Nast, Wisden, The Cricketer, and the Economic Times.

Notably, his debut novel, “Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew,” achieved widespread recognition and literary accolades, including the Commonwealth Book Prize, the DSC Prize, the Gratiaen Prize, and the distinction of being named the second greatest cricket book of all time by Wisden.

Karunatilaka’s journey from Sri Lanka to New Zealand and his subsequent travels and work experiences in London, Amsterdam, and Singapore have undoubtedly enriched his perspective, contributing to the depth and diversity of his writing. His third novel, “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida,” published by Sort of Books in 2022, added to his list of accomplishments by securing the prestigious 2022 Booker Prize. His success as a writer, combined with his multifaceted talents and global experiences, positions Shehan Karunatilaka as a celebrated literary figure both in Sri Lanka and on the international stage.