Book Publishers in Sri Lanka: List and How to Get Published

Quick answer: Sri Lanka has several major publishers covering Sinhala, English and Tamil books, including Sarasavi Publishers, M. D. Gunasena, S. Godage & Brothers, Vijitha Yapa Publications, and Perera Hussein Publishing House. New authors can submit manuscripts to traditional publishers or self-publish by registering with the National Library's ISBN agency and handling printing themselves.

Last checked: 1 Nov 2026

This guide lists the main publishers in Sri Lanka, what each is known for, and the practical steps to getting your manuscript published or self-published in Sinhala or English. Whether you are writing your first novel, a children's book, or an academic work, understanding the local publishing landscape will help you choose the right route.

BooXworm.lk is a bookseller, not a publisher, but we stock books by Sri Lankan authors alongside international titles. Local authors are welcome to contact us about stocking their published books, though we make no promises about every submission.

List of book publishers in Sri Lanka by language focus

The table below groups major Sri Lankan publishers by their primary language and subject focus. If a publisher is not listed here, check its website or contact it directly for current submission guidelines.

Publisher	Language focus	Known for
S. Godage & Brothers	Sinhala	Sinhala literature, translations, general fiction and non-fiction
Samayawardhana	Sinhala	Sinhala literary and general publishing
Dayawansa Jayakody	Sinhala	Sinhala books, check the publisher's website for current focus
Muses Publishing House	Mainly Sinhala	Sinhala literary works and translations, opens manuscript submissions after the Colombo Book Fair until 31 December
Sooriya Publishers	Sinhala and general	Diverse genres, check the publisher's website
Ahasa Books	Sinhala and general	Accepts manuscripts through an online form asking for a 150 to 250 word synopsis
Sarasavi Publishers	Sinhala, English, general	Wide range of genres including fiction, non-fiction and children's books
Vijitha Yapa Publications	Sinhala, English, general	Fiction, non-fiction, academic and children's literature
Perera Hussein Publishing House	English	Sri Lankan writing in English, co-founded by Ameena Hussein in 2003
M. D. Gunasena & Co	Academic and educational	Educational, academic and general publishing, operates the ebook platform Gurulugomi offering Sinhala, Tamil and English books
Educational Publications Department	Academic and school	Government school textbooks, the state body that produces and distributes textbooks

You can browse a selection of Sinhala books and Sri Lankan authors' books at BooXworm.lk to see what each publisher's output looks like. The Sarasavi Bookshop Nugegoda branch is another good place to see local publishers' catalogues in person.

English book publishers in Sri Lanka

If you are writing in English, Perera Hussein Publishing House is the best-known dedicated English-language literary publisher in Sri Lanka. Perera Hussein was co-founded by Ameena Hussein in 2003 and publishes Sri Lankan writing in English, including fiction, non-fiction and poetry by local authors.

Other publishers such as Sarasavi, Vijitha Yapa and M. D. Gunasena also publish English titles alongside Sinhala books. Check each publisher's current catalogue or submission page to confirm whether they accept English manuscripts and what genres they prefer.

Sri Lankan authors on Reddit also mention Jam Fruit Tree as a self-publishing route rather than a traditional publisher. Ask any self-publishing service exactly what it covers (editing, design, printing, ISBN) and who keeps the rights before you sign.

Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association and book fairs

The Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association (often referred to as SLBPA) organises the Colombo International Book Fair, normally held in September, and the Kandy Book Fair. The Colombo International Book Fair began in 1999 at the Colombo Art Gallery and moved to BMICH in 2001. Book fairs are excellent opportunities to meet publishers, see new releases, and pick up discounted books. Attending the fair can help new authors understand which publishers match their genre and style.

Many publishers offer discounts during the fair. If you are looking for imperfect books at about half price, our Damaged and Imperfect Books collection includes new books with minor cosmetic flaws (not used or second-hand) sold at roughly half the original price, including some local titles.

How to publish a book in Sri Lanka

Publishing a book in Sri Lanka involves several clear steps, whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing. Here is the practical process:

1. Complete your manuscript: Finish writing, editing and proofreading your book. Prepare a short synopsis (150 to 250 words for most publishers) and a brief author biography.
2. Choose your route: Decide between submitting to a traditional publisher or self-publishing. Traditional publishers handle editing, printing and distribution but are selective. Self-publishing gives you full control but requires upfront investment and effort.
3. Submit to publishers (traditional route): Research which publishers match your genre and language. For example, Ahasa Books accepts manuscripts through an online form, and Muses Publishing House opens manuscript submissions after the Colombo Book Fair until 31 December. Follow each publisher's submission guidelines exactly.
4. Register for an ISBN (self-publishing route): The National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) is Sri Lanka's national ISBN agency and registers commercial, government, non-government and individual publishers. The ISBN agency is at the National Library and Documentation Services Board, No. 14 Independence Avenue, Colombo 07. An ISBN identifies a publication but does not give copyright protection, so register copyright separately if needed.
5. Meet legal deposit requirements: The National Library received legal deposit status under the Printers and Publishers Act in 1976, requiring a copy of each local publication to be deposited. Publishers are asked to send a free copy of each ISBN book to the agency.
6. Arrange printing: Traditional publishers handle this. Self-publishers must find a printer, agree on quantity, paper quality and binding, and pay upfront costs.
7. Sell and distribute: Traditional publishers distribute through bookshops. Self-publishers can approach bookshops individually (including BooXworm.lk, which considers stocking local authors' books), sell online, or use book fairs and community events.

The table below compares the two main routes:

Aspect	Traditional publishing	Self-publishing
Upfront cost	Publisher pays production costs	Author pays all costs (one self-published Sri Lankan author on Reddit reported over 2 lakh rupees)
Editorial control	Publisher edits and may request changes	Author has full control
Royalties	One self-published Sri Lankan author on Reddit reported roughly 10% royalties from traditional publishers	Author keeps all profits after costs
Rights	Publisher often holds rights for a period	Author keeps all rights
Distribution	Publisher arranges bookshop placement	Author arranges distribution
Speed	Slower, as selection and editing take time	Can be faster if the author manages the timeline

ISBN Sri Lanka: how to register and what it means

An ISBN is a unique number that identifies your book, and most bookshops and libraries expect one. You can find the application details at isbn.lk or ask at the National Library agency in Colombo 07.

An ISBN identifies a publication but does not give copyright protection. Copyright is automatic when you create an original work, but registering it separately with Sri Lanka's intellectual property authorities can help if disputes arise. Publishers are asked to send a free copy of each ISBN book to the agency for the national collection, and the legal deposit law requires a copy of each local publication to be deposited in the National Library.

If you are self-publishing, register as an individual publisher, apply for a publisher prefix, and request ISBNs for each title. Each format (paperback, ebook, hardcover) needs its own ISBN.

Where new authors can find help and resources

New authors often ask where to find manuscript feedback, editing services, and advice. Local writers' groups, university creative-writing courses, and online forums (including the r/srilanka subreddit where Sri Lankan authors share experiences) can be helpful. Some publishers offer editorial feedback even if they do not accept a manuscript, but this is not guaranteed.

M. D. Gunasena's Gurulugomi platform is an ebook service offering Sinhala, Tamil and English books, useful for seeing what local publishers release digitally. The Educational Publications Department textbooks page on BooXworm.lk explains the state publisher's role in school books, which is separate from commercial publishing.

If you are researching Sri Lankan writing to understand the market, browsing books by Sri Lankan authors will show you what local publishers are releasing and which genres are popular. Visiting the Colombo or Kandy book fairs in person is one of the best ways to meet publishers, ask questions, and see the full range of local publishing.

Frequently asked questions

How do I submit my manuscript to a publisher in Sri Lanka?

Check each publisher's website or contact them directly for current submission guidelines. Ahasa Books accepts manuscripts through an online form asking for a 150 to 250 word synopsis, and Muses Publishing House opens manuscript submissions after the Colombo Book Fair until 31 December. Prepare a polished manuscript, a short synopsis, and a brief author biography before submitting.

Where can I get an ISBN for my self-published book in Sri Lanka?

The National Library and Documentation Services Board is Sri Lanka's national ISBN agency and registers commercial, government, non-government and individual publishers. Visit the agency at No. 14 Independence Avenue, Colombo 07, or check isbn.lk for the application process. You will need to register as an individual publisher and request an ISBN for each title and format.

What is the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing in Sri Lanka?

Traditional publishers pay production costs, handle editing and distribution, and offer royalties (one self-published Sri Lankan author on Reddit reported roughly 10% from traditional publishers). Self-publishing requires the author to pay all costs, but the author keeps full rights and profits. Self-publishing can be faster but demands more effort and upfront investment.

Do I need to deposit a copy of my book with the National Library?

Yes. The National Library received legal deposit status under the Printers and Publishers Act in 1976, requiring a copy of each local publication to be deposited. Publishers are asked to send a free copy of each ISBN book to the ISBN agency as well. This is a legal requirement and helps preserve Sri Lankan publishing history.

Which publishers accept English manuscripts in Sri Lanka?

Perera Hussein Publishing House was co-founded by Ameena Hussein in 2003 and publishes Sri Lankan writing in English. Sarasavi Publishers, Vijitha Yapa Publications, and M. D. Gunasena also publish English titles. Check each publisher's website or contact them to confirm current genres and submission windows.

How much does it cost to self-publish a book in Sri Lanka?

Costs vary depending on editing, design, printing quantity and quality. One self-published Sri Lankan author on Reddit reported over 2 lakh rupees for a complete self-publishing project including editing, cover design, typesetting and printing. Small print runs and simpler formats can cost less, while full-colour or hardcover books will cost more.

Can I sell my self-published book in Sri Lankan bookshops?

Yes, but you will need to approach each bookshop individually. BooXworm.lk is a bookseller that stocks local authors' books and welcomes contact from Sri Lankan authors about their published titles, though we make no promises about every submission. Other bookshops, including the Sarasavi chain, may also consider stocking local self-published books if they meet quality and sales expectations.

What is the Colombo International Book Fair and when is it held?

The Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association organises the Colombo International Book Fair, normally held in September. The fair began in 1999 at the Colombo Art Gallery and moved to BMICH in 2001. It is one of the biggest book events in Sri Lanka and a great place for new authors to meet publishers, see current releases, and buy discounted books.

Does an ISBN give me copyright protection in Sri Lanka?

No. An ISBN identifies a publication but does not give copyright protection. Copyright is automatic when you create an original work, but you may register it separately with Sri Lanka's National Intellectual Property Office or consult a Sri Lankan intellectual property lawyer if you need formal documentation or legal protection.