M.D. Gunasena launches ‘Avurudu Thaagi’ by Sibyl Wettasinghe

M.D. Gunasena the leading publisher, printer and bookseller, launched ‘Avurudu Thaagi’, written and illustrated by, veteran children’s book writer and illustrator Kala Keerthi Sibyl Wettasinghe. The ceremony was held at an event held at the company’s concept book store in Colombo, amidst a large gathering of over 500, including Prof. Kusuma Karunaratne, M.D. Gunasena Deputy Managing Director Rajiv Gunasena, children, parents and the management of the company.

The book while creating an enthralling story gives out a very strong message to children of this generation, and is available in bookshops, Island wide. Sibyl Wettasinghe is a pioneer in the field of juvenile story writing and illustrating in Sri Lanka. Her stories for children and her delightful rendering of images innovatively brought into life the essence of the tales narrated. Inspired by the success of ‘Kuda Hora’, she applied herself to writing as well as illustrating and proceeded to produce over 200 children’s books over the course of her career.

Speaking about the book launch, Gunasena said: “For over a century of operations we have continuously instilled in our nation the value of reading and sharing knowledge throughout many generations. We take pride in introducing a new children’s book by one of the pioneers in the field. We all know her talents, with a unique flair as a book illustration artist as well as a prolific storyteller, her work set off a new genre of story books for and we plan to root this valued knowledge and experience to the new generation of our country.”  

He further added, “Our concept store in Bambalapitiya is a dedication and celebration of authors of our country, and we are truly honoured to have the presence of a stalwart in the industry with us today.” M.D. Gunasena since its incorporation in 1913 has become the most prestigious publisher in Sri Lanka, with 17 outlets islandwide. For more than a century, the company remains at the forefront of the publishing industry and literature in Sri Lanka.