Sri Lanka Ministry of Education logo and online portal for free school textbooks 2022 with Tamil text

Free School Text Books Download from Educational Publications Department Sri Lanka

Download Free School Textbooks from the Educational Publications Department of Sri Lanka

Looking for free school textbooks in Sri Lanka? You're in the right place. The Educational Publications Department (EPD) offers completely free digital textbooks for every grade level - from Grade 1 all the way through A/Levels. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about downloading textbooks from edupub.gov.lk, plus we'll cover the exciting new 2026 education reform modules that just launched.

The Educational Publications Department of Sri Lanka

So what exactly is the EPD? Think of it as Sri Lanka's official textbook hub - the government body responsible for creating and distributing every textbook used in schools across the country. Their mission is simple: make quality education accessible to everyone.

Here's what makes them special: they've gone completely digital. Instead of waiting for physical books or worrying about supply shortages, students, teachers, and parents can now download any textbook they need instantly. No cost, no hassle.

Get in Touch with the Educational Publications Department

Educational Publications Department
Address: 157 Deans Road, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 11 2695031 / +94 11 2695285
Fax: +94 11 2692859
Email: edupublications@edupub.gov.lk
Website: http://www.edupub.gov.lk
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM
Customer Service Hotline: 1911 (for general education questions)

If you have questions about textbooks, need technical help, or run into any issues with downloads, just give them a call during office hours. The team is there to help.

The Complete Guide to Downloading Textbooks from edupub.gov.lk

Getting to the Official Website

First things first - head over to http://www.edupub.gov.lk. The website is surprisingly user-friendly (no complicated navigation here!). Look for the "Text Books Download" section under "Books Download" - that's your gateway to thousands of free textbooks in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

The website sorts educational books into:

  • Grade Level: 1st through 13th
  • Subject: Math, Science, Languages, Social Studies, and more
  • Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, and English
  • Types of books: Core textbooks, extra materials, and guides for teachers

How to Download in Steps

  1. Go to edupub.gov.lk to get to the homepage
  2. Pick Your Language: English, Tamil, or Sinhala
  3. Pick Your Category: Choose your grade level (Grade 1 or higher)
  4. Browse Available Books: Look through the full list of textbooks that are available
  5. Click Download: Choose the textbook you want to download as a PDF right away
  6. Save to Device: Get the file on your phone or computer

New for 2026: Modules for Reforming Education

Big news - the 2026 Education Reforms just dropped, and they're changing how students learn. Alongside your regular textbooks, there are now interactive, activity-based learning modules. Here's what's new:

Materials for Grade 1 Reform

  • Activity Books: Interactive learning modules for ongoing evaluation
  • Module Books: Learning materials that are based on activities
  • Teacher Guides: All the teaching materials that teachers need

Materials for Grade 6 Reform

  • Module Books: Covering important subjects, subjects for more learning, and skills that can be used in many areas
  • Teacher Guides: Helping the new way of testing
  • Activity-based Resources: Putting the focus on learning by doing

You can get these new materials from:

  • Ministry of Education portals
  • National Institute of Education (NIE) at channelnie.nie.ac.lk/modules
  • These go along with, not replace, regular EPD textbooks

School Textbooks Available by Grade

Availability of Resources by Grade

Grade Level EPD Textbooks e-Thaksalawa 2026 Reform Modules Mobile Apps
Grade 1-5 ✅ Full curriculum ✅ Interactive courses ✅ Grade 1 only ✅ Available
Grade 6-9 ✅ Full curriculum ✅ Interactive courses ✅ Grade 6 only ✅ Available
Grade 10-11 (O/L) ✅ Full curriculum ✅ Interactive courses ❌ Not applicable ✅ Available
Grade 12-13 (A/L) ✅ Full curriculum ✅ Interactive courses ❌ Not applicable ✅ Grade 12-13

Primary School (Grades 1–5)

The Educational Publications Department has a full range of options for downloading primary school textbooks, such as:

  • Math: Basic math and problem-solving skills
  • Language Arts: Learning Sinhala, Tamil, and English
  • Environmental Studies: An introduction to scientific and social ideas
  • Health Education: Fundamental principles of health and wellness

Grades 6–11: Secondary Education

Books for secondary school students cover more difficult topics:

  • Pure Sciences: Physics, chemistry, biology, and math
  • Applied Sciences: Technology and how to use it in real life
  • Languages: Advanced Tamil, Sinhala, English, and other languages
  • Social Sciences: History, geography, civics, and economics
  • Commerce: Business Studies, Accounting, and Economics

Level 12–13 (Grades 12–13)

The Advanced Level textbook download has specialized subjects to help you get ready for college:

  • Science Stream: Advanced Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math
  • Arts Stream: Political Science, History, Geography, Economics, and Literature
  • Commerce Stream: Business Studies, Accounting, Economics, and Statistics
  • Technology Stream: Science for Technology and Engineering Technology

Free Textbook Access Apps for Mobile Devices

School Books in Sri Lanka (by SL App Hub)

  • Free Android app that collects all EPD textbooks
  • Coverage: Grades 1–13 in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
  • Features: The ability to read or download in the app
  • Easy access to official EPD content

Sri Lankan School Books

  • Free Android app that lets you read EPD textbooks
  • Coverage: All three media for grades 1–11
  • Organization: Books are sorted by grade and updated from time to time
  • Valid and kept up to date until 2025–2026

Please note: There are no official iOS apps for Sri Lankan school textbooks right now. However, you can download PDFs on any iOS device using a web browser.

e-Thaksalawa: The National E-Learning Site

What Does e-Thaksalawa Mean?

The Ministry of Education's national e-learning platform is called e-Thaksalawa (e-thaksalawa.moe.gov.lk). It offers:

  • Interactive digital learning for grades 1 through 13
  • A Learning Management System (LMS) for schools and teachers
  • Lessons, quizzes, experiments, and courses in Sinhala, Tamil, and English are all available online
  • Content that fits with the curriculum and goes beyond static textbooks

What Makes e-Thaksalawa Different from EPD

  • EPD: Downloading static PDF textbooks
  • e-Thaksalawa: A way to learn online that includes courses, tests, and multimedia content
  • Best Use: Download EPD textbooks for the main information and use e-Thaksalawa for hands-on learning

Table for Comparing Platforms

Feature EPD Textbooks e-Thaksalawa Channel NIE Mobile Apps
Content Type PDF Textbooks Interactive Courses Module Books & PDFs EPD PDF Mirror
Grades Covered 1-13 1-13 Focus on 1 & 6 (2026 reforms) 1-13
Languages Sinhala, Tamil, English Sinhala, Tamil, English Sinhala, Tamil, English Sinhala, Tamil, English
Internet Required Only for download Yes, for full features Only for download Only for download
Assessments No Yes (Quizzes, Tests) Yes (Activity-based) No
Multimedia No Yes (Videos, Audio) Limited No
Teacher Resources Yes Yes Yes (Reform materials) No
Offline Access Yes (after download) Limited Yes (after download) Yes (after download)
Best For Core textbook study Interactive learning 2026 reform modules Mobile convenience

Quick Tip:

  • Main study: EPD textbooks (covering the whole curriculum)
  • Engagement and practice: e-Thaksalawa (videos and interactive exercises)
  • Changes in 2026: Channel NIE (new materials for grades 1 and 6)
  • Learning on the go: Mobile apps (easy to use anywhere)

Digital Textbook Hub: Channel NIE

Channel NIE (channelnie.nie.ac.lk) has grown into a focused portal that offers:

  • Digital books right at your fingertips
  • 2026 reform module books for grades 1 and 6
  • Books and guides for teachers
  • Easy access to approved digital copies
  • Working with the e-Thaksalawa platform

Get in Touch with the Ministry of Education and NIE

Ministry of Education
Address: "Isurupaya," Pelawatta, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 11 2785141-6
Hotline: 1911
Email: info@moe.gov.lk
Website: www.moe.gov.lk

National Institute of Education (NIE)
Address: High Level Road, Maharagama, Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 11 2853050 / +94 11 2853900
Email: info@nie.lk
Website: www.nie.lk
Channel NIE: channelnie.nie.ac.lk

Different Learning Platforms

Nenasa Program

  • The government supports a TV and digital learning program
  • Lessons that are in line with the curriculum and shown on TV or video
  • This is an extra channel for EPD downloads, not a replacement
  • Very helpful for people who learn best by seeing and hearing

Why You Should Download Digital Textbooks

Education That Doesn't Cost Too Much

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - textbooks are expensive. Or at least, they used to be. The Educational Publications Department has eliminated that problem entirely by making every textbook available for free download. No matter your family's financial situation, you can access the same quality education as everyone else.

Access Right Away

Remember waiting weeks for textbooks to arrive at school? Or rushing to the bookstore only to find they're sold out? Those days are over. With digital textbooks, you get what you need instantly - no waiting, no stock issues, no stress.

Effect on the Environment

Digital textbooks are just as good for learning as regular printed books, but they use less paper and have less of an impact on the environment.

Better Learning Tools

Digital textbooks often have:

  • Text that can be searched for quick reference
  • Zoom feature to make it easier to read
  • Bookmarking features to make navigation easier
  • Print options for certain pages when you need them

Requirements for Downloading Books

Compatibility with Devices

Textbooks from the Educational Publications Department work with:

  • Computers that sit on a desk (Windows, Mac, Linux)
  • Tablets and laptops
  • Android and iOS smartphones
  • E-readers that can read PDF files

Requirements for Software

To get to the school books you downloaded, make sure you have:

  • PDF reader software (Adobe Acrobat Reader is the best choice)
  • A stable internet connection is needed to download
  • Enough storage space on your device

Resources for a Specific Subject

Books on Math

The department offers a wide range of mathematics textbooks that cover:

  • Basic math skills: Addition, subtraction, fractions, and geometry
  • Advanced math: Calculus, statistics, and applied mathematics
  • Extra Math: Special math ideas for science students

Textbooks for Science

Downloading a science textbook includes:

  • General Science: Science ideas that work together for younger students
  • Physics: Mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics
  • Chemistry: Organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry
  • Biology: The study of plants, animals, and people

Language Tools

You can download these language learning books:

  • Sinhala: Writing, grammar, and literature
  • Tamil: Tamil grammar and literature from both the past and the present
  • English: Writing, reading, and talking skills
  • Foreign Languages: Language classes that are not required

Guides and Resources for Teachers

Teaching Materials

The Educational Publications Department lets teachers download textbooks in the following ways:

  • Teacher Guides: Full sets of instructions
  • Lesson Plans: Organized ways to teach
  • Assessment Tools: Testing and evaluation tools
  • Supplementary Materials: More educational content
  • 2026 Reform Guides: New teaching materials for Grades 1 and 6 that are based on activities

Training for Professionals

Books for teacher training that are educational include:

  • Pedagogy: The best ways to teach and learn
  • Subject Expertise: Resources for advanced subject knowledge
  • Managing a classroom: Good ways to teach
  • Educational Technology: Digital teaching tools and methods

Questions That People Ask a Lot

Is It Really Free to Download Textbooks?

Yes, you can download all of the school textbooks on edupub.gov.lk for free. The Educational Publications Department makes these resources available to the public to help with education in Sri Lanka.

How Often Do Educational Books Get New Information?

The department updates textbooks on a regular basis to keep up with changes to the curriculum and improvements in education. New editions usually come out every year, with changes made based on feedback and educational standards. The 2026 reforms will bring new module-based materials for students in grades 1 and 6.

Is It Possible to Print Out Downloaded Textbooks?

Yes, you can print out downloaded educational books for your own use. The Educational Publications Department must give permission for commercial reproduction or distribution, though.

Are There Books in All Three Languages?

Most of the main textbooks can be found in English, Tamil, and Sinhala. But the availability may change based on the subject and grade level.

What Is the Difference Between EPD Textbooks and e-Thaksalawa?

EPD has PDF textbooks that you can download (static content), but e-Thaksalawa has interactive digital learning with courses, quizzes, and multimedia. Both are official government resources, and they work best when used together.

Can I Ask for Physical Books?

Yes, you can ask for physical textbooks through the Ministry of Education's websites and school distribution channels. Digital versions, on the other hand, let you access them right away.

How to Use Digital Textbooks Effectively

Ways to Organize

  • Make folders to sort downloads by grade and subject
  • Give Files Descriptive Names: Change the names of files so they are easy to find
  • Backups on a regular basis: Make copies to keep your data safe
  • Synchronization: Use cloud storage to access files from any device

Ways to Study

  • Digital Note-taking: Use tools for active reading to make notes
  • Search Functionality: Use search tools to find things quickly
  • Managing Screen Time: Find a balance between studying online and in person
  • Print When You Need To: Print out important parts to study them in depth

Helping Students Succeed

Involvement of Parents

Parents can help their kids learn by:

  • Helping with downloading and organizing textbooks
  • Making special study areas for digital learning
  • Keeping an eye on how educational technology is used correctly
  • Encouraging people to use official educational resources on a regular basis
  • Looking at both EPD textbooks and e-Thaksalawa interactive content

Access to the Community

For students who can't always get online:

  • School Computer Labs: Download files at school
  • Public Libraries: Use the internet resources in your area
  • Mobile Data Plans: Look into data packages for school
  • Offline Solutions: Download when you have access to the internet

Things to Come

The Smart Textbook Initiative

The Educational Publications Department keeps making digital textbooks better by:

  • Interactive Elements: Videos, audio, and simulations
  • Adaptive Learning: Content that changes based on how well the student is doing
  • Built-in testing and progress tracking are part of assessment integration
  • Mobile Apps: Apps made just for you to make your experience better

Improvements to Accessibility

Things that are still happening include:

  • Audio Versions: Text-to-speech features for learning that includes everyone
  • Visual Improvements: Better graphics and pictures
  • Language Support: More features for people who speak more than one language
  • Special Needs: Help for students with disabilities

Final Thoughts

Here's the bottom line: Sri Lanka's Educational Publications Department has made education more accessible than ever before. By offering free textbook downloads through edupub.gov.lk, plus newer platforms like Channel NIE and e-Thaksalawa, they've removed one of the biggest barriers to learning - the cost of books.

The 2026 education reforms take things even further. With activity-based module books for Grades 1 and 6, learning becomes more interactive and assessment more continuous. It's not just about reading textbooks anymore; it's about actually engaging with the material.

Whether you're a student trying to save money, a parent supporting your child's education, or a teacher planning lessons, these free resources are game-changers. Plus, going digital means you're helping the environment while maintaining Sri Lanka's reputation for educational excellence.

  • EPD Textbooks: http://www.edupub.gov.lk
  • e-Thaksalawa LMS: e-thaksalawa.moe.gov.lk
  • Channel NIE Modules: channelnie.nie.ac.lk

Ready to get started? Head over to the links above and explore what's available. You'll be surprised at how easy it is. Quality education really is just a click away now - for every grade level, every subject.

Need physical books or other learning materials? Check out www.booxworm.lk - we've got you covered for everything education-related in Sri Lanka.

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10 comments

CR books

Nivedha

GAred 9 bock

Gaanim

Science part 1 11

Shanthos

I don’t want a book,i want a book

Amjath

I don’t want a book,I want a book

Amjath

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