Award-winning Sri Lankan Canadian author Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll returns home this month to launch her internationally acclaimed debut novel, Labyrinth of Dreams. Ahead of the official Sri Lanka launch, she speaks to Life about the deeply personal inspiration behind the novel, the power of storytelling and why she believes compassion can change lives.

Q: Labyrinth of Dreams begins with a powerful revelation. What inspired the story?
Nadee: The novel was inspired by a deeply personal family experience that made me question identity, belonging and the emotional impact of long-held secrets. During that journey, I also discovered how real the stigma surrounding adoption still is in Sri Lanka. I realised that stories have the power to help people understand the emotional consequences of prejudice. Writing Labyrinth of Dreams became my way of giving a voice to those experiences and encouraging empathy.

Q: Your debut novel has already received the International Impact Book Award. What did that recognition mean to you?
Nadee: It was incredibly humbling. As a first-time author, receiving international recognition gave me confidence that the story had connected with readers in the way I had hoped. More importantly, it reinforced my belief that writing can leave a lasting impact by creating awareness and encouraging meaningful conversations.

Q: How have Sri Lanka and Canada shaped your writing?
Nadee: Sri Lanka gave me my roots, my culture and an understanding of the social expectations that shape many lives. Canada gave me the freedom and perspective to question some of those expectations and write honestly about them. Together, those experiences have shaped my writing around themes of identity, resilience, belonging and the courage to challenge prejudice.

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from the novel?
Nadee: Humanity above all. I hope readers choose compassion over judgement and recognise that labels such as race, religion, social status or family background should never define a person’s worth. If a belief causes pain or exclusion, perhaps it is time we have the courage to question it.

Q: Why did you choose to associate the Sri Lanka launch with Women In Need?
Nadee: Because the novel is ultimately about understanding, empathy and supporting those whose voices often go unheard. Partnering with Women In Need allows the launch to become more than a celebration of a book. It becomes an opportunity to raise awareness and contribute to positive change for women and families in Sri Lanka.

Q: Is this just the beginning of your writing journey?
Nadee: Absolutely. I’m already working on my second novel. Like Labyrinth of Dreams, it is inspired by real human experiences and explores the emotions and relationships that connect us all. I hope to continue writing stories that not only entertain but also encourage understanding and compassion.

Q: Looking back, what would you say to the woman who first began writing Labyrinth of Dreams?
Nadee: Take your time. Have patience. Trust the journey.

Official Sri Lanka Launch
The official Sri Lanka launch of Labyrinth of Dreams will take place on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at 10.30 a.m. at the Rooftop Ballroom, Taj Samudra, Colombo, and will be moderated by Savithri Rodrigo.
The launch is also an awareness and fundraising initiative in support of Women In Need, with Rs. 1,000 from every ticket contributing to the organisation’s work. Tickets are priced at Rs. 6,000, inclusive of a signed copy of the novel and refreshments. 

For reservations, WhatsApp 0727 510 455.