Introducing the first edition of Southern Book Fair 2024

From left: Commonwealth Publishers Forum Director Shane Perera, MD Gunasena Director Rajiv Gunasena, Commonwealth Publishers Forum Director Diyanath R. Jayasinghe, Commonwealth Publishers Forum Chairman Dinesh Kulathunga, Commonwealth Publishers Forum Directors Edward Robinson and Rajan Brito

By Surya Vishwa 

Books are the bridges that link the world. Launched by the Commonwealth Book Publishers’ Network, and in conjunction with the internationally acclaimed Galle Literary Festival, the inaugural Southern Book Fair in Sri Lanka is to be held from 19 to 28 January 2024..

The Southern Book Fair expects to be a platform that features Sri Lanka’s diversity in culture, natural heritage and tourism, represented through writings representing all three language of Sri Lanka; Sinhala, English and Tamil. The principal sponsor of the event is MD Gunasena and Co. Ltd.

The press briefing to announce the event and those involved in it was held at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo on Thursday. Edward Robinson who has served as a senior policy advisor in the European Parliament for 10 years, and now functions as a trade specialist at the Presidential Secretariat, and as Chief of Staff to the Presidential envoy of Sri Lanka to Europe and the Commonwealth, introduced the officials of the Commonwealth Publishers’ Network who addressed the press conference. 

“Nirj Deva is a renowned politician and international statesman who has served in the British Parliament, and was the first Asian-born to be elected as a Conservative to the European Parliament. After a storied career as an international politician, he now serves as senior advisor to the President of Sri Lanka.”

“Dinesh Kulatunga is a seasoned publisher and printer with a wealth of experience in his industry. He is also a dedicated participant in numerous book fairs spanning from western to eastern regions annually. A few days back, he returned from the inaugural South Asian International Book Fair in Nepal, in which he actively participated. Notably, Dinesh holds the position of Director within the Commonwealth Publishers’ Network and has played a pivotal role in conceptualising the organisation's first edition event; the Southern Book Fair in Sri Lanka.”

“ Rohan Jayasinghe is an applauded and celebrated businessman who has served as the Ceynor Foundation and the Grand Oriental Hotel, Chairman, the Nawaloka Group of Companies, Deputy General Manager the Maharaja Group and Access International, Director and Maganaguma, Chairman. He is currently East West Properties PLC Director and Operations for Commonwealth Union, senior Vice President.”

“Shane Perera is the director of publishing houses and is recognised for his tireless work in promoting literature, particularly, in his role as the International Board on Books for Young Children of Sri Lanka’s National Section, Joint Secretary”

“And, of course, taking pride of place, a pioneer in the publishing industry and well known philanthropist, our principal sponsor, M.D Gunasena & Co, Sri Lanka, Managing Director, Rajiv Gunasena, a preeminent book retailer and a bastion of literature, who champions the accessibility of knowledge, is second to none.”

Featuring literature not only of Sri Lanka but the wider global community, the Southern Book Fair will be held in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka, the Presidential envoy of Sri Lanka to Europe and the Commonwealth and Senior Advisor to the Sri Lankan President, Niranjan Deva-Aditya said.

Platform for publishers, editors, authors, readers

The event is located in the heart of the iconic heritage site of the Galle Fort and offers a platform for publishers, editors, aspiring authors, and readers to develop new partnerships, fostering opportunities to celebrate the local and international literary heritage, Niranjan Deva-Aditya said, as he explained the immense potential of linking the local and international literary and knowledge industry with the economic resurgence potential of the nation. 

Several linked events are to be held at the Southern Book Fair in partnership with many stakeholders for the objective of linking the concept of tourism with literature, offering opportunities for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector to be involved in merging the tourism industry with the publishing industry in innovative ways. 

With the return of the internationally acclaimed Galle Literary Festival to be held from 

25 to 28 January 2024, a confluence of the world's foremost authors, book publishers, artists, musicians, and gourmet chefs are expected to converge for an unprecedented promotion of Sri Lanka on the international stage.

‘Thus, the Southern Book Fair organised by the Commonwealth Publishers’ Network is operating this year, in its maiden edition in partnership with the Galle Literary Festival,’ the Commonwealth Publishers’ Network Chairman Dinesh Kulatunga said. 

Knowledge is a treasure sought after by people worldwide, and publishers play a pivotal role in its distribution through various media channels, including the print, electronic, audio, and multimedia formats, Kulatunge said adding that the publishing industry, deeply rooted in the realm of knowledge, not only contributes to the enrichment of minds but also presents promising business opportunities. 

“While traditionally dominated by developed nations, there is immense potential for growth in developing and underdeveloped countries, many of them part of the Commonwealth family. Sri Lanka, with its inherent creative and organisational prowess, has been recognised by the Commonwealth Union Publishing Network in the UK, and has been invited to spearhead promotional activities within their Publishing Industries,’ he explained. 

He emphasised that the establishment of a common e-platform that will unite publishers, writers, editors, illustrators, and readers will be launched at the Southern Book Fair 2024 which has been designed as a model for Commonwealth countries.

Managing Director of the Sri Lankan book chain M.D. Gunasena, Rajiv Gunasena in his address explained the philosophy of the company coming forward as the chief sponsor of the 2024 Southern Book Fair organised by the Commonwealth Publishers’ Network. 

“As most of you know, M.D. Gunasena has always been in the forefront of the literary landscape of Sri Lanka. As a premier, publisher, printer and bookseller, we have not only carved a niche for ourselves in the publishing world, but become a custodian, of our nation’s rich culture and heritage. Since its inception in 1913, 110 years later, our saga continues to unfold,” he said. “A legacy that has not only withstood the test of time but has evolved, adapting to the changes of the literary world. M.D. Gunasena continues to be a beacon of knowledge, a haven for book lovers, and a promoter of Sri Lankan literature,” he added.

“The shelves of our stores tell the story of our nation, housing the words and wisdom, of our most esteemed authors and capturing, the very essence of our vibrant culture. It is more than just a bookstore; it is a living testament, to the literary journey of Sri Lanka,” he continued.

‘We Taught the Nation to Read’

“In fact, our claim, “We Taught the Nation to Read” has been undisputed. As a guardian of our cultural identity, a patron of literature and a bridge that connects us to the rich tapestry of our country, I am delighted, to announce, that M.D. Gunasena is partnering with the Commonwealth Book Publishers’ Network, as the principal sponsor, in the forthcoming Southern book fair, in conjunction with the Galle Literary Festival, in January, 2024. We are confident, the Literary event will be a platform, to showcase and explore, the diverse literary landscapes that make up the very heritage of our country; a literary festival that will not only entertain, but also enlighten.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Commonwealth Book Publishers’ Network for granting us the opportunity, to be a part of this prestigious literary endeavour. We truly believe that it is through such collaborations that we can promote Sri Lanka and its literary heritage, to a wider local and international audience,” he said.

Managing Director of Neptune Publishers, Shane Perera who has been involved in the publishing industry in many capacities for over four decades spoke of the need for innovating the concept of knowledge and merging it with events that have national and international significance. 

“Knowledge is a key aspect that propels societies forward. Thus we are making every effort for this Southern Book fair to contribute to the local and global endeavour of disseminating knowledge for the common good,” he said. 

The Harmony page which was initiated five years ago in the Weekend FT to promote integrated knowledge,  literature/translations, art and all forms of intangible heritage, especially spirituality, for unity, prosperity, innovation and world peace, will be supporting the Southern Book Fair in its overall goal of fostering humanistic values, insight and wisdom through reading. 

–Pix by Upul Abayasekara