The Complete Guide to Buying Books in Sri Lanka
Are you looking for books in Sri Lanka? This complete guide answers all your questions about buying books in Sri Lanka in 2026, whether you're a student looking for textbooks, a parent looking for children's books, a professional looking for self-help books, or just a book lover looking for the latest fiction.
The Full Picture of Online Book Shopping in Sri Lanka
The online book shopping market in Sri Lanka has grown a lot in the last few years, making it easier for people all over the island to get books without leaving their homes. You can now order books and have them delivered right to your door in Colombo, Jaffna, Kandy, and Galle.
Why Should You Buy Books Online in Sri Lanka?
✅ Convenience: You can shop anytime, anywhere.
✅ More Choices: Get titles that aren't available in stores
✅ Price Comparison: It's easy to compare prices on different platforms.
✅ Home Delivery: Books delivered to your door anywhere on the island
✅ Saves time—no traffic, no parking, and no crowds
✅ Detailed Information: Before you buy, read reviews, descriptions, and previews.
✅ Special Deals: Discounts and deals only available online
Cash on Delivery for Online Book Shopping in Sri Lanka
"Online book shopping cash on delivery Sri Lanka" is one of the most popular search terms, and for good reason. A lot of Sri Lankans would rather pay in cash when they get their order than pay online ahead of time.
📦 Bookstores Offering Cash on Delivery (Sri Lanka)
| Bookstore | Delivery Coverage | Notes |
| Booxworm.lk | Islandwide | Pay when your order arrives |
| Jumpbooks.lk | Islandwide | Reliable COD service |
| Makeen Books | Selected locations | COD available for 2-day delivery items only |
| CGA Books | Islandwide | Payment collected on delivery |
| Books4Life.lk | Islandwide | COD supported across Sri Lanka |
| Pothak.lk | Islandwide | Simple pay-on-delivery option |
Accepted Payment Methods at BooXworm bookshop
We make paying for your books easy and flexible. Choose the payment option that works best for you:
- Cash on Delivery (COD) – Pay in cash when your books arrive at your doorstep
- Card Payments – Visa & Mastercard accepted
- Bank Transfer – Direct bank deposits supported
- MINT Pay – Pay easily using your MINT wallet
- KOKO – Buy now, pay later with KOKO
All payments are safe, simple, and trusted across Sri Lanka.
Important tips for COD:
- When you can, have the exact amount of money ready.
- Before you pay, look at the package to make sure it's in good shape.
- Make sure you got the right books
- Keep the receipt or invoice in case you need to return or exchange it.
🚚 Comparison of Book Delivery Times (Sri Lanka)
"How long does delivery take in Sri Lanka?" is one of the most common questions. Here's a full breakdown by bookstore:
| Bookstore | Delivery Speed | Coverage & Highlights |
| Booxworm.lk | 1–5 business days | Fastest in Colombo (1–3 days), major cities in 2–4 days, rest of the island in 3–5 days. Express delivery available. |
| Jumpbooks.lk | 2–5 business days | Standard delivery islandwide. Free shipping on orders above Rs. 6,500. |
| Sarasavi Bookshop | Same day / Variable | Islandwide delivery based on location. Same-day pickup available at physical stores. |
| Makeen Books | 2–7 business days | COD books arrive in 2 days. Standard orders take slightly longer. |
| CGA Books | 3–5 business days | Islandwide delivery with a flat Rs. 350 fee. |
| Vijitha Yapa | Instant / Online available | Buy immediately from physical stores. Online delivery also supported. |
| M.D. Gunasena | Instant / Partner delivery | 16 physical stores for immediate purchase. Online orders handled via partner sites. |
Things That Affect Delivery Time
📍 Location: It might take longer in remote areas.
🌧️ Weather: Heavy rain and floods can make it take longer for couriers to deliver.
📦 Stock Availability: Items that are in stock ship faster
🎉 Seasonal Demand: The school year and exam times are when demand is highest.
🚚 Courier Service: Different couriers work at different speeds.
A Detailed Comparison of the Biggest Online Bookstores in Sri Lanka
1. Booxworm.lk - Quality Books for Today's Readers
Specialty: quality fiction, productivity, self-help, and personal growth
What Makes Booxworm Stand Out:
- Carefully chosen selection—handpicked titles that are better than others
- Modern Focus: The newest bestsellers in business and personal growth
- Quick delivery—shipping that you can count on all over Sri Lanka
- Cash on Delivery—available all over the island
- Customer Service: Help and recommendations that are tailored to you
- Prices that are fair and competitive, with regular sales
Categories that are popular:
- Self-Help: Atomic Habits, Can't Hurt Me, and The Mountain Is You
- Romance: Rina Kent and Colleen Hoover
- Business and Productivity: James Clear, David Goggins, and Mel Robbins
- Fiction: Bestsellers of the present
Best For: Readers who want to read non-fiction that will change their lives, contemporary romance, and professionally chosen book lists
2. Sarasavi Bookshop is the best traditional bookstore.
Website: www.sarasavi.lk
Tagline: "Sri Lanka's best online book store"
Things that are good:
- Built up a reputation and trust
- A wide range of works, including novels, short stories, and fiction
- Several places in the real world
- Books in Sinhala and Tamil as well as English
- A wide range of local literature
Best For: People who want a lot of different options and the chance to go to real stores
3. M.D. Gunasena: Education and Heritage Since 1913
Physical Stores: 16 places in Sri Lanka
Strengths:
- More than 110 years of reliable service
- Best for school and educational books
- A large collection of Sinhala books
- More than 25,000 items, like stationery
- Gift cards are available
- Great for study materials for scholarship tests
Types of Products:
- Textbooks for school (Grades 1–13)
- Books for college
- Books for kids in all three languages
- Office supplies and stationery
- Resources for learning
Best for: students, parents buying school books, people looking for Sinhala educational materials, and people getting ready for scholarship exams
4. Jumpbook.lk is the best place to buy books online.
Shipping: Orders over Rs. 6,500 get free shipping.
Time frame: 2 to 5 business days
Pros:
- Online bookstore only (no physical stores means lower costs)
- You can pay with cash on delivery.
- Fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and bestsellers
- Hard-to-find books and books from other countries
- Prices that are competitive
- Option to pick up from the warehouse on the same day
Famous Titles:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad (Rs. 3,190 down to Rs. 1,990)
- The Millionaire Fastlane
- Bestsellers around the world
- Books about business and money
Best for: people who like to shop online only, people who like to read international books, and people who like to find deals
5. Jeyabook Centre: A Reliable Expert in Many Genres
Tagline: "The Bookstore in Sri Lanka You Can Trust for All Genres"
Strengths:
- Books about medicine (with a strong health section)
- Books and other materials for school and learning
- Story books and novels
- Delivery across the island
- Save up to 70% on some items
- Major publishers and institutions are represented
Best For: Medical students, academics, researchers, and people who like fiction and want to read different kinds of it
6. Vijitha Yapa: Focus on Culture and the Local Area
Website: www.vijithayapa.com
Sri Lankan literature and cultural books are their specialty.
Pros:
- A lot of Sri Lankan authors are represented
- Books that talk about Sri Lankan history, politics, and culture
- Myths and legends from the area
- Modern Sri Lankan fiction
- Academic writing about Sri Lanka
- 10% off on some titles
Special Deals:
- Books about the political turmoil in Sri Lanka
- Fiction based on Sri Lankan myths
- Books about local plants and animals
- Works by Sri Lankan writers
Best For: People who want to learn about Sri Lankan culture, history, politics, and authors from the area
7. CGA Books: Available in Many Languages
Delivery: Rs. 350 flat rate for the whole island
Things that are good:
- Books in Sinhala, English, and Tamil
- Prices that make sense
- A lot of fiction and nonfiction to choose from
- Sections on philosophy, design, and photography
- Bestsellers around the world
Best For: Families who want books in more than one language and people who can read three languages
8. Makeen Books has a huge selection of books from around the world.
"Millions of books to find" is the tagline.
Strengths:
- A huge catalog of international items
- Cash on delivery (COD) for eligible titles
- COD books delivered in two days
- Books and novels from publishers around the world
- Confirm customer care before processing
Best For: Readers looking for specific international titles or who want to browse a lot of catalogs
9. Grantha.lk is the biggest and most popular.
Claim: "Sri Lanka's biggest and most popular online book store/book shop"
Strengths:
- A lot of focus on Sinhala books
- Fiction, novels, and religious books
- Books for learning
- A very large choice
- Set up an online presence
Best For: People who read Sinhala, want something different, or need educational materials
10. Viyath Books: A Mix of Local and International
Strong points:
- Books from both the US and other countries
- School supplies and writing supplies
- Delivery to your door
- Discounts and deals of up to 20%
- Guarantee that all books are 100% original
Best For: Readers who want to be sure they are getting real copies and get regular discounts
11. Books4Life.lk - Focus on Real Editions
Strengths:
- 100% real fiction and non-fiction
- Workbooks for school
- Adult coloring books with mandalas
- Cash on delivery all over the island
- High-quality books at low prices
- Online convenience 24/7
Best For: People who value authenticity and love coloring books
12. Pothak.lk is a specialist in Sinhala books.
Good points:
- Sinhala books are the main focus
- Nonfiction that sells well
- Delivery is free all over Sri Lanka
- You can pay with cash when it arrives.
- Titles that can't be found anywhere else
Best for: Sinhala readers looking for nonfiction and one-of-a-kind local books
Where to Find the Best Selection of English Books in Sri Lanka
Are you looking for "buy english books online in sri lanka" or "english books in sri lanka"? Here are the best places to find English books:
Best Places to Buy English Books
1. Booxworm.lk
- Only picks out the best English books
- New bestsellers in self-help, business, and romance
- Authors from around the world: James Clear, Colleen Hoover, Rina Kent, and David Goggins
- Quick delivery all over Sri Lanka
2. Jumpbooks.lk
- A lot of English fiction and nonfiction books
- Bestsellers around the world
- Business, self-help, and classics
- Prices for English books that are competitive
3. CGA Books
- A lot of English books next to Sinhala and Tamil books
- A lot of international authors are represented
- English philosophy, psychology, and design
4. Jeyabook Center
- Books in English about medicine and school
- English fiction
- Publishers from other countries
5. Sarasavi
- A good mix of English, Sinhala, and Tamil
- Modern and classic English literature
6. M.D. Gunasena
- English books for school and reference
- Books for kids in English
- Literature from the past
Sri Lanka's Most Popular Types of English Books:
📚 Self-Help and Personal Development: Most Popular
📖 Business and Productivity: a growing category
💕 Romance Fiction: Colleen Hoover's series of romance books
🎓 Academic and Educational: Textbooks and reference books
👶 Kids' Books: Dr. Seuss, Roald Dahl, and picture books
📱 Computers and Technology: Programming and IT books
🧠 Psychology: mental health and popular psychology
💰 Rich Dad Poor Dad, finance guides, and other books about money and investing
Sri Lanka's Online Second Hand Books
Want to find "second hand books online sri lanka"? The online market for second-hand books in Sri Lanka is still growing, but here are your choices:
Where to Look for Used Books
1. Facebook Marketplace
- Type "second hand books Sri Lanka" or "used books Colombo" into a search engine.
- Small businesses and individual sellers
- Can talk about prices
- Set up a meeting or delivery time
2. ikman.lk
- A section for book classifieds
- Used textbooks, especially during the school year
- Fiction and novels at lower prices
- Talk to sellers directly
3. Facebook Groups and University Notice Boards
- Student groups at the University of Colombo, Moratuwa, and Kelaniya
- Sales of medical faculty books
- Books on engineering
- Sales at the end of the semester
4. Places in the real world
- Street vendors selling used books in the Maradana area of Colombo
- Some of the bookshops in Pettah sell used books.
- Book fairs and library sales for charity (once in a while)
Why the second-hand market is small online:
- A lot of bookstores only sell new books
- People from different cultures like to give new books as gifts
- The syllabus changes quickly, so educational books go out of date quickly.
- No organized platforms
Better Alternative: Cheap New Books: Many online stores have sales that bring prices down to the level of used books.
- Jumpbooks.lk: Some books are up to 50% off.
- Jeyabook Center: Some items are up to 70% off.
- Seasonal sales across all platforms
Sri Lanka’s International School Books – Complete Guide
Looking for "international school books in Sri Lanka"? Here is your full guide:
| Bookstore | What You’ll Find | Why It’s Useful |
| M.D. Gunasena | Edexcel A-Levels, Cambridge materials, IB resources, global educational publishers | 16 physical locations for in-person browsing |
| Jeyabook Center | International academic books, STEM & humanities, medical & university texts | Strong focus on higher education & professional studies |
| Sarasavi Bookshop | School books from multiple international curricula, reference materials | Good for mixed-curriculum needs |
| International Online Stores | Global editions & rare titles | Useful when local stock is limited |
🌐 International Online Stores That Ship to Sri Lanka
| Store | Specialty | Notes |
| Amazon | Wide range of international textbooks | Some titles ship to Sri Lanka |
| Book Depository | Academic & school books | Free worldwide shipping, availability varies |
| Blackwell’s | University & academic texts | Strong for UK-based curricula |
🎓 Common International Curricula in Sri Lanka
| Curriculum | Common Levels |
| Cambridge International | IGCSE, AS & A-Levels |
| Edexcel / Pearson | International A-Levels |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | PYP, MYP, DP |
| American Curriculum | AP (Advanced Placement) |
Tips for Buying Textbooks:
Sri Lanka: Where to Buy Government Textbooks
"Where to buy government textbooks in Sri Lanka" - You can get government-approved school books from:
Sources that are official
1. Department of Educational Publications (EPD)
- The official publisher of textbooks for the government
- Books for all grades, from 1 to 13
- Given out by authorized agents
- The lowest prices (with help)
2. M.D. Gunasena
- Official distributor of government textbooks
- Full range for all levels
- Materials for the scholarship exam
- Test papers and guides for the term
- 16 stores on the island
3. Bookstores in schools
- Most schools have book stores that are allowed on campus
- Sell government textbooks at prices that are set
- Easy to buy things for specific grades
4. Sarasavi Bookstore
- Has textbooks that the government has approved
- Many places to make it easy to get to
Prices for Government Textbooks:
- The government gives him a lot of money.
- Prices set and controlled
- Most of the time, each book costs less than Rs. 200–500.
- Free for some grades in public schools
When to Buy:
- November to December: For the next school year (best time to buy stock)
- January: Busy time, possible lack of supplies
- During the year: For copies that need to be replaced
A Closer Look at Gunasena Book Shop Online
A lot of people are looking for "Gunasena book shop online." This is all the information you need:
M.D. Online Shopping with Gunasena
The official website is mdgunasena.com.
Things You Can Buy Online:
- Books for school (all grades)
- Materials for the scholarship test
- Fiction and nonfiction in Sinhala
- Books for kids
- School and office supplies
- Gift cards that are good for a year
Why people trust Gunasena:
- Est. 1913: More than 110 years of service
- 16 physical stores on the island, including Colombo, Kandy, and Galle
- Publisher and Retailer: They own their own publications as well as those of other publishers.
- Focus on education—best for academic materials
- More than 25,000 items, including books and non-book items
Gunasena vs. stores that are only online:
Pick Gunasena if:
- Getting school books and other learning materials
- Want books in Sinhala
- Like going to real stores
- Need books and stationery
- Want materials to help them get ready for scholarships
If you want to work with online experts, choose Booxworm.
- Looking for the newest bestsellers from around the world
- Want self-help and business books that have been carefully chosen
- Like a modern online shopping experience
- Need quick delivery to my house
- Concentrate on titles in English
Gunasena has big stores in Colombo, Kandy, Negombo, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Galle, and other cities.
Is there free shipping to Sri Lanka from Jumpbooks?
"Does jumpbooks offer free delivery in Sri Lanka?" Yes, but there are some rules:
Jumpbooks.lk's policy on free delivery:
- Free shipping on orders over Rs. 6,500
- Delivery time: 2 to 5 business days in all of Sri Lanka
- Below Rs. 6,500: Delivery fees apply
- Pickup on the Same Day: Free at their warehouse if you pick up
How to Get Free Shipping:
- Put books in your cart that cost Rs. 6,500 or more.
- Go to the checkout page
- Choose the delivery address
- Pick how you want to pay (online or cash on delivery)
- Confirm your order—shipping is free!
Look at the delivery costs at different stores:
Booxworm.lk:
- Free delivery on orders above Rs. 6,000 (lower threshold)
- Same-day free pickup available
- Competitive delivery rates across the island
- Free delivery on regular sales
Books by CGA:
- Rs. 350 flat delivery to all islands
Pothak.lk:
- Free delivery all over Sri Lanka (no minimum order)
Books4Life:
- Quick and dependable delivery (look for free delivery limits)
What are people reading in Sri Lanka? Famous Books
"Famous books in Sri Lanka"—these are the books that people search for and buy the most:
Sri Lanka's Favorite International Bestsellers
Self-Help and Personal Growth:
- James Clear's Atomic Habits
- Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power
- David Goggins Can't Hurt Me
- You Are the Mountain by Brianna Wiest
- Mel Robbins' 5-Second Rule
- Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad
- Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Romantic Fiction:
- Colleen Hoover's "Ugly Love"
- Colleen Hoover's It Ends with Us
- Colleen Hoover's Verity
- The Royal Elite Series by Rina Kent
- Evelyn Hugo's Seven Husbands
Business and Getting Things Done:
- Cal Newport's Deep Work
- Daniel Kahneman's book Thinking, Fast and Slow
- Simon Sinek's Start With Why
Classic Books:
- Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
- George Orwell's 1984
- Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
Books from Sri Lanka that are well-known
Fiction:
- The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka (Winner of the Booker Prize in 2022)
- Shyam Selvadurai's "Funny Boy"
- Shyam Selvadurai's Cinnamon Gardens
- Nayomi Munaweera's Island of a Thousand Mirrors
Non-Fiction:
- Michael Ondaatje's Running in the Family
- Books about the civil war and history of Sri Lanka
- Buddhist philosophy writings
- Classical literature in Tamil and Sinhala
Books for Kids:
- Mini Kadol Books is a well-known series of Sinhala children's books.
- Sinhala translations of popular songs from around the world
- Adaptations of local myths and stories
Sri Lankan readers should follow these smart book-buying tips.
How to Get the Best Prices
1. Check Prices at Different Stores
- The same book can cost anywhere from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 more or less.
- At the same time, look at Booxworm.lk, Jumpbooks, Sarasavi, and CGA
- Take into account the cost of delivery in the total price
2. Look for sales that happen at certain times of the year.
- Back to School Season (November to January): Deals on textbooks
- Black Friday (November): Bookstores around the world have sales
- Sales at the end of the year (December): A lot of stores get rid of their stock
- Avurudu Season (April): Local sales
3. Buy a lot to get free shipping
- A lot of stores will ship for free if you spend a certain amount.
- Work with friends and family to reach the minimum
- Get a lot of copies of a series or more than one title
4. Follow bookstores on social media.
- Facebook and Instagram tell people about flash sales
- Discount codes that are only good for a short time
- Alerts for new arrivals
5. Sign Up for Newsletters
- Discounts just for subscribers
- Early access to sales
- Sales for your birthday month
6. Think about eBooks for some books.
- The Amazon Kindle has a huge library
- Access right away
- Usually less expensive than real books
- Saves space
7. Look for bundle deals
- Series bundles at lower prices
- Deals that say "Buy 2, Get 1 Free"
- Gift sets for the holidays
In 2026, these book categories are worth looking into.
Genres that are popular in Sri Lanka
1. Self-Help and Personal Growth
- The category that is growing the fastest
- Young professionals who want to grow
- Interest in psychology books is growing because of mental health awareness
2. Love stories (especially dark ones)
- The Colleen Hoover phenomenon
- Rina Kent and other writers like her
- The effect of BookTok
3. Business and Starting a Business
- The startup culture is growing in Sri Lanka.
- Economy of side jobs
- Interest in financial literacy
4. Books for Kids
- Parents putting money into early education
- Books in two languages (English and Sinhala)
- Coloring books and activity books
5. School and work
- Textbooks for college
- Certifications for professionals
- Learning new skills
6. Writers from Sri Lanka
- National pride in winning the Booker Prize
- Interest in stories from the area
- Helping writers in the area
Why You Should Buy Books from Booxworm.lk
There are a lot of bookstores in Sri Lanka, but Booxworm.lk stands out because:
The Booxworm Difference
1. Curated Excellence Over Endless Choices
- Not every book is worth your time and money
- We choose high-quality, life-changing books
- Read books that make a real difference
2. Focus on the Modern Reader
- Growing as a person
- Bestsellers of the present
- Work and business
- Good fiction
3. Delivery that is fast and dependable
- Fast shipping
- You can track it
- Cash on delivery all over Sri Lanka
- Packaging with care
4. Prices that are competitive
- Prices that are fair and clear
- Sales on a regular basis
- Good value for the money
5. Service that puts the customer first
- Support that answers quickly: +94 74 101 2016
- Suggestions that are specific to you
- Simple returns and exchanges
- Real concern for the happiness of readers
6. Helping Local Businesses While Going Global
- Owned and run by Sri Lankans
- Money stays in the local economy
- Get your hands on international bestsellers
- The best of both worlds
We promise that every book we have is one we believe in. We're not just selling books; we're putting together reading experiences that can really change people's lives.
Come see us at Booxworm.lk
149/2 Kolonnawa Road, Colombo 09, Sri Lanka
📞 +94 74 101 2016
Last Thoughts: What Will Happen to Books in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's book buying scene is more lively than ever. From M.D. to other heritage bookstores Readers have more options than ever before, from Gunasena (founded in 1913) to modern online stores like Booxworm.lk.
Important Points: How Reading Boosts Creativity?
Expands Imagination
Stories help your mind visualize new worlds, characters, and possibilities.
Improves Problem-Solving Skills
Reading exposes you to different perspectives and creative solutions.
Enhances Vocabulary & Expression
A richer vocabulary allows you to think and express ideas more creatively.
Stimulates Brain Connections
Reading activates multiple areas of the brain, strengthening creative thinking.
Encourages Original Thinking
Books inspire new ideas by connecting concepts you may never encounter otherwise.
Reduces Mental Blocks
Reading relaxes the mind, making it easier for creative ideas to flow naturally.
What Is the Most Important Thing?
Keep reading no matter where you buy your books, whether it's from Booxworm.lk, Sarasavi, Gunasena, Jumpbooks, or another store. Every book you buy helps:
- Writers who write content that changes people's lives
- Publishers who are willing to take chances on new voices
- Bookstores that promote a love of reading
- Your own ongoing growth and learning
Are you ready to start reading?
Go to www.booxworm.lk right now to find your next favorite book. We make buying books in Sri Lanka easy, cheap, and fun by offering cash on delivery, fast shipping to all parts of the island, and carefully chosen selections.
Sri Lanka, enjoy your reading! 📚
Last updated: January 25th 2026. All information is up to date as of the publication date. Delivery times and rules may change. For the most up-to-date information, check the websites of each store.