The final episode of Season 1 and Dee talks to acclaimed Sri Lankan author Ashok Ferry about his multifaceted life, including his experiences studying at Oxford University, attending a Benedictine monastery in Sussex, his journey as a property developer in the UK and his role in founding the Galle and Ceylon Literary Festivals. Ashok shares insights into his life and his unique creative process. They discuss the cultural richness of Sri Lanka, its emerging creative talents, and the emotional depths of Ashok's work.

The episode features Ashok reading a personal and moving excerpt from his book 'The Unmarriageable Man,' encapsulating the profound themes in his writing beyond the satire and humour.

Summary

01:07 Meet Ashok Ferry: Author and Personal Trainer

03:17 Ashok's Writing Process and Personal Life

08:44 The Confessional Role of Personal Training

14:56 Ashok's Diverse Background and Early Life

22:11 Venturing into Property Development

29:07 The Accidental Writer: Birth of 'Colpetti People'

34:06 The Art of Letting Things Be

34:22 Mathematics in Writing

36:21 The Role of Sound and Rhythm in Art

37:36 Emotional Design and Neuroplasticity

38:51 The Creative Process and Following the Story

39:43 Favorite Books and Writing During War

44:14 The Ceylon Literary Festival

48:12 Promoting Young Talent and Accessibility

54:02 Sri Lanka's Creative Spirit

01:01:37 The Power of Poetry

01:04:25 A Heartfelt Reading

About Ashok Ferry and Links

Best-selling Sri Lankan author Ashok Ferrey has six books to his credit, all variously nominated for the Gratiaen Prize, the DSC Prize, or State Literary Award. His last, The Unmarriageable Man, went on to win the Gratiaen - Sri Lanka’s premier literary prize founded by Michael Ondaatje.

In a parallel life Ashok is a designer and builder of houses. His last project, the Cricket Club Café in Colombo, was nominated for a Geoffrey Bawa Award for Excellence in Architecture – the first time a non-architect was accorded this honour.

A  former TEDx speaker, and Curator of the very first Ceylon Literary Festival, Ashok is by day a personal trainer.

Ashok Ferry video reading in 2020 for the Health Services Sri Lanka and UK on behalf of Kalukanda House

Videa of Ashok reading

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.