The State Literary Festival was held at the Presidential Secretariat today (14) under the auspices of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

At this awarding ceremony 32 most outstanding publications were given awards, certificates and cash prices, out of the 950 Sinhala, Tamil and English books published in 2008.

The once in a life time awards for their immense contribution to the literature were awarded to  Professor Tissa Kariyawasam, Professor Kandaiya Kunarasa and Professor Ashley Halpe.

Sunethra Rajakarunanayake received the award for her novel "The Common Husband" as the best novel of the year (2008) from President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Piyal Kariyawasam received the award for his short story "Glittering darkness of the aged blacksmith" as the best short story of the year 2008 from the President.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Piyasiri Wijenayaka and Deputy Minister of Justice and Law Reform, V. Puthrasigamani were also participated at this event.