Manuka Wijesinghe is an author, playwright, actress and a Holistic Medical practitioner. She is also a lover of languages , living and dead. Her books are not constructions , but living testimonials of her life’s journeys made on foot, in carts, in trains, in boats and in automobiles into the heart of her island, Sri Lanka. Her books are the tales of men and women in Ceylon, later called Sri Lanka. They are about an island’s people, formed by a land surrounded by an ocean, uncertain if it is an enemy or a friend. A people, whose link language to the world was severed by self indulgent political class. A people still trying to overcome that trauma and at each attempt they try, are repressed or slaughtered by a brute state.
Manuka Wijesinghe is an author, playwright, actress and a Holistic Medical practitioner. She is also a lover of languages , living and dead. Her books are not constructions , but living testimonials of her life’s journeys made on foot, in carts, in trains, in boats and in automobiles into the heart of her island, Sri Lanka. Her books are the tales of men and women in Ceylon, later called Sri Lanka. They are about an island’s people, formed by a land surrounded by an ocean, uncertain if it is an enemy or a friend. A people, whose link language to the world was severed by self indulgent political class. A people still trying to overcome that trauma and at each attempt they try, are repressed or slaughtered by a brute state.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.