EPD Textbook Download 2026: Free School Book PDFs

Quick answer: The Educational Publications Department (edupub.gov.lk and smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk) provides free digital textbooks for Grades 1 to 13 in Sinhala, Tamil and English. From 2026, Grade 1 and Grade 6 use new learning modules instead of traditional textbooks under the curriculum reform.

Last checked: 31 Oct 2026

The Educational Publications Department (අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රකාශන දෙපාර්තමේන්තුව) is the government body that prints and distributes school textbooks in Sri Lanka. If you need official curriculum materials, the EPD offers free PDF downloads through two main portals, covering all grades and mediums. This guide shows you where to find those downloads, what has changed with the 2026 reforms, and where to turn for supplementary books.

Please note: BooXworm is an independent online bookstore and is not the Educational Publications Department. EPD textbooks are free from official government sites. This guide is provided for information only; we are not affiliated with any government department.

Where can I download free textbooks in Sri Lanka?

The Educational Publications Department runs two official portals for textbook downloads. Visit https://www.edupub.gov.lk/ (the main EPD site) or http://smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk/ (the Smart Text Book portal). The Smart Text Book portal offers Sinhala, Tamil and English language selection, making it easier for students and parents from all medium schools to navigate.

When these sites were checked on 31 Oct 2026 from outside Sri Lanka, both returned server errors. Government portals can experience downtime or access issues, especially at the start of school terms when traffic is high. If you cannot reach edupub.gov.lk or smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk, try again later, from a different device or network, or during off-peak hours.

How do I download a textbook PDF from edupub.gov.lk?

To download a textbook from the Educational Publications Department portal, open https://www.edupub.gov.lk/ or http://smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk/ in your browser. On the Smart Text Book site, select your preferred language (Sinhala, Tamil or English). Choose the grade level, then select the subject or book title. Click the download or PDF icon to save the file to your device.

The files are typically in PDF format, which opens on computers, tablets and smartphones. Ensure you have enough storage space and a stable internet connection, as some textbook files are large. If a download fails, retry during early morning or late evening when fewer users are online.

What grades and languages are covered by EPD textbook downloads?

The Educational Publications Department and National Institute of Education (NIE) provide materials for Grades 1 to 13. NIE teacher guides and syllabi are available in Sinhala, Tamil and English mediums. The exact availability of every textbook in every medium and grade on the download portals can vary; check the official sites directly for the current catalogue.

What are the 2026 Grade 1 and Grade 6 education reforms?

Sri Lanka's education reforms began in 2026 with Grade 1 and Grade 6. From 2026, Grade 1 students receive activity books and learning modules prepared by the National Institute of Education, not traditional textbooks. Grade 6 also uses new learning modules rather than the previous textbook format. This shift encourages active learning, critical thinking and hands-on activities.

The Ministry of Education reported that 106 modules for one term of Grades 1 and 6 were printed during the initial phase. Meanwhile, the Educational Publications Department continued printing conventional textbooks for Grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Parents and teachers should note that Grade 1 and Grade 6 materials will look different from those used by older students. These modules and activity books are still provided free through EPD portals as they are published.

Are EPD textbooks really free?

Yes. Students in Sri Lankan government schools receive school textbooks through the state programme. Digital versions are free to download from edupub.gov.lk and smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk. Physical printed textbooks are distributed to schools; if your child has not received a book, contact the school or visit an EPD Book Sales Promotion Centre.

Where can I buy printed textbooks if the download does not work?

If you cannot download or prefer a printed copy, the Educational Publications Department operates Book Sales Promotion Centres at the following locations: Vidyodaya Pirivena (Maradana), Isurupaya, National Institute of Education (Maharagama), Teacher Training Centre (Meepe), Rajawasala Trade Complex (Narahenpita), and Jaffna Central College (Jaffna). Full street addresses and telephone numbers for these centres were not available in official sources; check the EPD website or contact the head office at https://www.edupub.gov.lk/ for current details.

What is the difference between edupub.gov.lk and textbooks.moe.gov.lk?

The official Educational Publications Department portal is edupub.gov.lk, and the Smart Text Book portal is smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk. Some users also search for textbooks.moe.gov.lk; its current official role could not be verified from available sources. For reliable downloads, use edupub.gov.lk or smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk directly.

Can I download NIE teacher guides and syllabi?

Yes. The National Institute of Education (NIE) provides a Teachers' Guide selector for Grades 1 to 13 and separate syllabus resources at https://nie.lk/. Many syllabi are included within the teacher guides. These are useful for parents who want to understand the curriculum and for teachers planning lessons.

Why do some English medium textbooks seem to be missing?

Some English medium materials for certain grades may not be available for download yet, or may be published later in the school year. The availability of textbooks by medium and grade can vary depending on printing schedules and the reform rollout. If a textbook is missing from the portal, check back later or contact your school or zonal education office for guidance.

Are there unofficial textbook apps or websites?

Unofficial apps and mirror sites sometimes appear, but they may host outdated, incomplete or inaccurate files. For the most reliable and up-to-date textbooks, always use the official Educational Publications Department portals at edupub.gov.lk or smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk. Do not download from unknown sources that may carry malware or incorrect content.

Where can I find supplementary books, past papers and reference guides?

The free textbooks from the Educational Publications Department cover the core national curriculum. Many students and parents also need supplementary reference books, past papers, activity workbooks and English readers. BooXworm offers a wide selection of these materials, with island-wide delivery and a presence in Colombo and Kandy.

For older students preparing for exams, see our A/L books guide. Younger readers can explore age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction in our children's books guide, or browse the full kids and young adult collection. For a broader look at where and how to buy books across Sri Lanka, read our complete guide to buying books. If you are on a budget, check our imperfect books collection, which features new books with minor cosmetic flaws at about half price, or explore bargain book options across the island.

Tips for downloading and using EPD textbooks

• Try different browsers: If edupub.gov.lk does not load, switch from Chrome to Firefox or vice versa.
• Check your connection: A slow or unstable internet connection can cause timeouts or incomplete downloads.
• Download during off-peak hours: Early morning or late evening may offer faster access when fewer users are online.
• Save files with clear names: Rename downloaded PDFs with the grade, subject and medium (for example, "Grade10_Maths_English.pdf") so you can find them easily later.
• Keep a backup: Store copies on a USB drive or cloud service in case your device fails.
• Print selectively: Printing entire textbooks can be expensive; print only the chapters or pages you need most.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Educational Publications Department?

The Educational Publications Department (අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රකාශන දෙපාර්තමේන්තුව) is the Sri Lankan government body that produces and distributes school textbooks for the national curriculum. The Educational Publications Department provides free digital textbooks through its official websites, edupub.gov.lk and smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk.

Where can I download textbooks for free in Sri Lanka?

You can download official school textbooks at no cost from https://www.edupub.gov.lk/ or http://smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk/. Both portals are run by the Educational Publications Department and offer Sinhala, Tamil and English materials for Grades 1 to 13.

What are the 2026 Grade 1 and Grade 6 modules?

Under Sri Lanka's education reforms, the revised curriculum is implemented first in Grade 1 and Grade 6 in 2026. These grades use modules and activity books prepared by the National Institute of Education instead of only conventional textbooks, focusing on active and practical learning.

Why can I not access edupub.gov.lk or smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk?

Government portals can experience downtime or server errors, especially during busy periods such as the start of a school term. Try accessing the Educational Publications Department site at a different time, from another network, or using a different browser. The portals may also have intermittent availability when accessed from outside Sri Lanka.

Does BooXworm sell EPD textbooks?

No. BooXworm is an independent online bookstore and is not the Educational Publications Department. EPD textbooks are free from the official government portals. BooXworm offers supplementary books, reference guides, past papers and a wide range of children's and young adult titles to support learning.

Are all textbooks available in English medium?

The Educational Publications Department and National Institute of Education provide materials in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Some English medium textbooks for certain grades may not yet be available for download or may be published later in the school year. Check edupub.gov.lk or smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk directly for the current catalogue.

Can I download NIE teacher guides and syllabi?

Yes. The National Institute of Education offers a Teachers' Guide selector for Grades 1 to 13 and separate syllabus resources at https://nie.lk/. Many NIE syllabi are included within the teacher guides. These resources help parents understand the curriculum and assist teachers in planning lessons.

Where can I buy printed textbooks if the download does not work?

The Educational Publications Department operates Book Sales Promotion Centres at Vidyodaya Pirivena (Maradana), Isurupaya, National Institute of Education (Maharagama), Teacher Training Centre (Meepe), Rajawasala Trade Complex (Narahenpita), and Jaffna Central College (Jaffna). For current addresses and telephone numbers, check the EPD website at https://www.edupub.gov.lk/.

Are there official mobile apps for downloading textbooks?

An official Educational Publications Department textbook download mobile app could not be verified from available sources. For reliable downloads, use the official web portals at edupub.gov.lk or smarttextbook.epd.gov.lk. Avoid unofficial apps, which may host outdated or incorrect files.