M.D. Gunasena introduces ‘Book Hub Reader’ together with Microimage and Etisalat

The leading publisher, printer and bookseller, M.D. Gunasena, together with Microimage and Etisalat, launched the ‘Book Hub Reader’ an e-book reader, revolutionising the publishing industry in Sri Lanka with new technology. The maiden device was handed over to 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 Colombo 04, under the patronage of M.D. Gunasena Deputy Managing Director Rajiv Gunasena, Etisalat Lanka Digital Services and Enterprise Solutions Head Channa Munasinghe and Microimage Founder and CEO Harsha Purasinghe.

Rajiv 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. Being well renowned as the company who taught the nation to read we are now inviting all book lovers to be a part of the next chapter. We take pride in introducing and launching the future of our industry, together with Etisalat and Microimage. This innovative device enables users to spend more time reading, browsing and visiting web sites without a hassle. It also helps its users to access best sellers, new releases, classics, modern classics and books from public libraries just by one tap.”

Speaking further Gunasena added that, “The Book Hub, recently celebrated one year since its launch and it benefits publishing and upcoming authors. Conventionally, thousands of manuscripts are rejected due to cost of print run. E-publishing merely requires a one-time conversion for an unlimited number of copies made available electronically. The Book Hub will host Sinhala titles with conversion done for Sinhala and Tamil text benefiting expats.”

Through the new e-book tablet, book lovers would be able to visit the first ever online e-book store ‘Book Hub’ and e-book reader providing access to Sri Lankan literature published electronically for the very first time and made available for direct purchase through any personal computer, Android or Apple mobile devices. Over 250 books published by top publishers in Sri Lanka are available for easy access online.

Harsha Purasinghe said: “The future of reading and publishing has arrived to Sri Lanka through this introduction. The e-reading industry will mature locally through new technology advancements such as this. Microimage, Etisalat and M.D. Gunasena has launched the next version of education and knowledge acquisition.”

The Book Hub multi-touch technology tablet is a powerful and flexible internet and entertainment solution that features a seven inch multi-touch screen with intuitive controls powered by Android OS. Through the e-book tablet, book readers will be able to browse the web wireless or through an internet dongle not only to read their favourite book, but also to enjoy media on a sleek and stylish media device which is fit enough for games, checking email, listening to music and watch HD movies while on the go.

The tablet book reader will be available for e-book lovers throughout all M.D. Gunasena bookshops, Microimage and all Etisalat branches island wide. 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.