The story of M.D. Gunasena 

• Sri Lanka’s iconic bookstore M.D. Gunasena is the principal sponsor of the Southern Book Fair 2024

What is the worth of a book? How does a book contribute to the mystery of knowledge and the birth of creativity? Knowledge and creativity are as infinite as time. It ebbs and flows, cascading over the mountains of our minds and across the geography of the lived-in experience. It is when one limits knowledge to brick buildings and exams that fatigue and stress set in.

Knowledge by itself knows only exhilaration.  To contribute to the spread of knowledge could then be described as the most exhilarating experience; a gift some humans choose to distribute to mankind. 

 Rajiv Gunasena, hailing from a family that for three generations had committed themselves to the mission of lighting up minds by providing books from the international and local arena to Lankan readership, speaks to us of his role in the Southern Book Fair.  Here are excerpts of the interview:

Q: What was the very first step that led to the birth of M.D. Gunasena bookstore and the Company? Could you tell us your family story that led to the business as well as the unique philanthropy linked to books? 

A:  M.D. Gunasena has a rich history that traces its roots back over a century. It all began with my great-grandfather, M.D. Gunasena, a visionary and passionate individual who embarked on a mission to promote education and knowledge in Sri Lanka.

Back in the early 20th century, he  recognised the profound impact education could have on individuals and society as a whole. Inspired by this belief, he took the initial step, establishing a small bookstore in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This humble book shop became the foundation of what would later evolve into M.D. Gunasena.

Driven by a deep commitment to providing quality educational resources, the company gradually expanded its offerings. From textbooks to a diverse range of publications, M.D. Gunasena became a trusted name in the field of education. The family’s dedication to the cause of spreading knowledge played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. 

Over the years, M.D. Gunasena as a company has weathered challenges and embraced innovation, adapting to the changing landscape of education and literature. The family’s passion for fostering learning has been passed down through generations, creating a legacy that continues to thrive.

As the company stands tall, it remains a testament to the enduring vision and values instilled by my great-grandfather. M.D. Gunasena’s journey from a small bookshop to a renowned educational institution reflects the power of one man’s mission to make a positive impact through the gift of knowledge. This has been the lesson we as family members have grown up with.

Your company logo statement is ‘We taught the world to read.’ What was the inspiration behind the conceptualiing of this statement? 

A. The inspiration behind our company’s bold statement, “We taught the world to read,” stems from a deep-rooted commitment to literacy and education. As a family-driven enterprise founded on the principles of promoting knowledge, we recognised the transformative power of reading.

The conceptualisation of this statement is a tribute to the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of the founder, M.D. Gunasena, who believed that access to quality educational resources, could empower individuals and uplift entire communities. From the inception of our small bookstore to its expansion into a comprehensive educational centered institution, our family has been at the forefront of nurturing a culture of reading and learning. 

The statement not only reflects our historical role in the local context but also acknowledges the global impact of our contributions to education. By providing a diverse array of books, textbooks, and educational materials, we have played a part in shaping minds, fostering curiosity, and enabling countless individuals worldwide to embark on their journey of literacy.

“We taught the world to read” is a declaration in our mission in the realm of education, transcending geographical boundaries. It encapsulates the idea that education knows no limits and that the knowledge imparted through our endeavours has a ripple effect, reaching far beyond the borders of our initial establishment.

Q: What was the capital your grandfather started with and where was the exact location of the first bookshop? Did he pay a rent or was the building owned by him?

A: My grandfather, Malagalage Don Gunasena, hailing from humble beginnings with parents who worked as farmers in Piliyandala, faced adversity early in life. His parents passed away while he was still young. His elder brother assumed responsibility for his care. Despite having very little resources, he made a resolute decision to study printing at Wesley College’s Boys Industrial Home. Driven by determination, self-confidence, and a strong work ethic, he took a bold step by mortgaging his sole property to acquire a small printing press.  The inaugural bookshop was established in Pettah, and subsequent branches opened in Galle and Kandy, marking the expansion of his entrepreneurial journey.

Q: What were the main challenges of starting and running a book related business in a country that were to see many volatile changes, transiting in the 1940s from a colonial empire to be self governed and then facing many sharp policy changes that impacted the socio economic framework such as in the phase of the closed economy in the 1960s and 1970s?

A: Initiating and managing a book-related enterprise like M.D. Gunasena in Sri Lanka’s historical landscape must definitely have posed multifaceted challenges.

The evolving political climate and policy changes, notably the closed economy phase in the 1960s and 1970s, introduced uncertainty and instability. Entrepreneurs during this era grappled with adapting to fluctuating Government regulations, economic conditions, and educational policies. Accessing essential resources, both financial and material, would have been a persistent obstacle.

Moreover, the dynamic nature of the market, influenced by changes in consumer behaviour, technological advancements, and cultural nuances, demanded strategic foresight. Navigating through periods of increased competition and staying abreast of emerging trends in the book industry required not only resilience but also a keen understanding of the socio-economic dynamics shaping the nation.

Successful businesses like M.D. Gunasena likely thrived by demonstrating adaptability, innovative thinking, and a deep awareness of the intricate intersections between politics, policy, and commerce.

Q: What is your advice to anyone starting a business in the knowledge realm?

A: My advice to anyone venturing into the knowledge industry in Sri Lanka, particularly in publishing, printing, and bookselling would be to blend traditional values with a keen eye on innovation. 

Embrace technological advancements in printing and publishing to stay competitive, but also foster a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic diversity in the country.

Establishing strong relationships within the educational sector and adapting to evolving policies and literacy needs is crucial. 

Given the historical volatility of the region, entrepreneurs of every calibre should exhibit resilience in the face of economic and political changes.

One has to prioritise dedication to creating quality content and maintaining customer engagement to build consistent trust in the brand. 

Finally, a passion for improvement and perfecting should be cultivated; a quality that has historically characterised successful ventures like M.D. Gunasena in the vibrant landscape of Sri Lanka’s knowledge industry.

Q:What is the reach of your readership accessed through your network of bookshops and the extent of your publishing/printing? 

A: In the domain of book sales, M.D. Gunasena has established 16 bookshops. There is a wholesale branch that caters to bookshops across the island and a web store. Our reach extends not only across Sri Lanka but also to a global audience through online platforms. Customers use our websites and are registered on our epub app. This widespread availability allows us to cater to diverse literary tastes and educational requirements of individuals worldwide.

The synergy between publishing, printing, and book sales within the M.D. Gunasena ecosystem reflects our holistic approach to education. We continue to evolve with the changing dynamics of the publishing industry.

Q:Could you speak of your individual role in the book business?

A:I am the Managing Director of M.D. Gunasena. One of my primary responsibilities is steering the strategic vision of the company to ensure that it remains at the forefront of promoting education and knowledge. This involves overseeing our publishing endeavours, printing operations, and book sales to guarantee a seamless integration of our services. 

Q: M.D. Gunasena is the principal sponsor of the first Southern Book Fair carried out by the Commonwealth Publishers Network. Could you speak of the decision to come forward as the principal sponsor of this event?

A:Being the principal sponsor of the Southern Book Fair in Sri Lanka is a great honour for us at M.D. Gunasena. We believe in the importance of showcasing and celebrating Sri Lankan culture on a global platform. Supporting Government as well as progressive international or private sector collaborated initiatives aligns perfectly with our values.

The Southern Book Fair provides an excellent opportunity to not only promote literature but also to share the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka with the world. We are excited to contribute to an event that not only fosters a love for reading but also serves as a platform to highlight the unique aspects of our heritage and culture. It’s a wonderful way for us to give back to the community and be a part of initiatives that bring people together through the appreciation of literature and cultural exchange.