Books

Anne Abayasekara started her career in 1947 as the first female Sri Lankan staff journalist.

In the highly productive decades that followed she wrote on a variety of themes. This book covers the themes of the changing role of women, love of motherland, and family and home life. It also includes a section on how others viewed her. The book is bound to captivate readers - both those acquainted with her writing and those with no knowledge of it, stirring their hearts and minds.

'She always managed to marshal her material and then produce a coherent, beautiful pattern, an expression of simple but vibrant language.' - Siri Ranawake

 

 

Zillij is a collection of short stories adressing and revolving around the question of identity, within an essentially Sri Lankan context.

Zillij is the captivating Islamic traditional art of creating intricate mosaic design using hand-cut tiles.

While most of this volume reflects aspects of Sri Lanka's ethnic and socio-economic struggles, these stories are not merely 'about' Sri Lanka.

Winner of the State Literary Award for Best Short Stories

'Voices of Peace' weaves together the narratives of ten former LTTE cadres and ten SLM personnel who actively fought at the front lines.

These once active agents in war; have become passive witnesses in the transition to peace. This book provides a platform for the stories of these unheard voices of Sri Lanka's protracted conflict and a safe space to restore their agency, by empowering them in the ongoing peace process. In 'Voices of Peace' we hear their story by listening to them rather than talking about them. In a country that has long been divided, it gives us the opportunity to interact with both sides of the conflict, blur the lines between divisions, and start thinking about our common goals. It is a discovery of what 'we do not yet know' about the conflict and post-conflict situation. By listening to their voices, we can discover what more needs to be done for peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. 'Voices of Peace' aims to encourage meaningful public discussion and the continuation of dialogue, and help pave the way to a Sri Lanka where diversity is recognized, accepted, and even celebrated.

Read an excerpt!

An enchanted Firebird. A lost sister. And a brother who goes to bring her back.

Nalinika and Indrajit lived quiet little lives with their pets. Every evening, they would listen spellbound to Podihami weave tales of ogres, cobra kings, and a Firebird who enchants a princess. But one day, Nalinika disappears, and Indrajit is convinced she has been taken to the land of the Firebird, never to return.

Thus begins a one-thing-leads-to-another adventure of a lifetime and a desperate search for his sister, where Indrajit hopes that a miracle just might happen.

Brought to life with beautiful illustrations by Panchali Ellepola, The Firebird is a story of a brother's love that conquers all obstacles that cross his path.

Read an excerpt!

One man's epic journey of self-discovery across continents and borders reveals the universal bond that connects all of humanity.

An olive stone tossed Sam Benson out of his Isle of Skye home in pursuit of the most elusive of human desires - happiness. Half a world away, Rohan enters adulthood and leaves Sri Lanka in search of a better life.

Sam, ambling through Europe on his motorbike and Rohan cutting across the world in a plane, eventually meet in Milan. Neither of them could have known their destinies would change in a fraction of a second. Ultimately, broken hearts and shattered lives lead one of them to understand himself in a way he's never managed to before.

Quick moving, intense and at times wildly exciting, The Ripple Effect is an inspired road trip. It is the story of a man on the run from himself and his bittersweet realization that nothing is as it seems. This novel of a heartbreaking tangle of personal histories is a stunning debut from author Gavin Major.

An expatriate reflects upon the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Sport, Society, and New Zealand

After a forty year voluntary exile an expatriate Kiwi returns to New Zealand to travel around while reporting on the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Return to Rugby Land is a challenging and provocative social commentary encompassing more than just the games or the scenery. Scott explores sport's place in society, along with the myths, psyche, and anxieties of a small nation. While questioning comfortable shibboleths, including about Maori and women, his personal account offers heartfelt insights and a broad understanding of New Zealand inextricably linked to the omnipresent game of Rugby.

The mysteries of the world are all but gone. For thousands of years, Sri Lanka was the abode of the martial art Angampora, a sophisticated ancient discipline that was fortified with military philosophy, a deep spiritual connection with nature, and a deadly array of combat techniques. The dramatic saga of this exotic art begins with legends that date back to the dim recesses of time and unfolds to the present day, where it has survived after enduring the onslaughts of three centuries of colonialism and political unrest in Sri Lanka's recent past.

Angampora: A Nation's Legacy in Pictures is a stunning pictorial narrative of this ageless martial art. For the first time in the world, the art will be showcased in breathtaking pictures that captures the vast span of its influence on Sri Lanka's history and culture. From artefacts never seen before to combat techniques that have remained in supreme secrecy for centuries; and illustrating the art's vibrant esoteric rituals as well as its secretive and deadly node science, Angampora: A Nation's Legacy in Pictures brings to the world an unparalleled work of Sri Lankan research and photography. Written by Deshamanya Ajantha Mahanthaarachchi, the heir of the Korathota Aracchis, one of Sri Lanka's oldest surviving Angam lineages, and photographed by Reza Akram, this book is a seminal work on an undiscovered cultural legacy of Sri Lanka.

A regular Friday night finds a wealthy trust-fund Colombo native on a gay dating app trying to find someone for a few hours. In walks a British expat, looking for a few moments of pleasure and not much else. What is supposed to be a run-of-the-mill one-night experience becomes something quite different. Over two one-day encounters, the two men make love, tell stories, inebriate and commiserate, and in the process share their lives with each other.

As the pair tangle between lovemaking and connection, sex and sexuality, love and lust, The One Who Loves You So grapples with the complexities of short-term intimacy and asks what becomes of love when it has no recourse to future illusions. The One Who Loves You So is a candid and honest love story; a play about our universal struggle for connection.

Winner of the Gratiaen Prize 2018

Join Michael Rohan Sourjah on his motorcycle adventures around the world. Get on to a legendary Royal Enfield and let yourself be guided to the far corners of Sri Lanka, exploring everything this amazing country has to offer.

Ride to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and marvel at ancient ruins and reservoirs; get on fantastic motorcycling roads that take you through majestic mountains, extensive tea plantations, forests and lovely waterfalls; cruise along the coast to explore imposing colonial military forts; relax on clean sandy beaches and visit old temples, kovils, churches and mosques; join wildlife safaris to watch elephants, leopards, birds, whales and dolphins and combine all of this with a variety of delicious food and drinks from different cultures that make up the hodgepodge of people living on the island.

Roo is a little Tuk Tuk. From road races, to Polo tournaments, to animal rescues, this little vehicle has lived life to its fullest. Experience the joys and perils of Tuk Tuks on the streets, and learn many life lessons along the way with this courageous Tuk Tuk who is always ready to lend a helping hand and spread some cheer.

You are never too little to make a difference...

With seven full-page colour illustrations by Privanka Fernando

Eyesha is a baby elephant who is just learning the etiquette and behaviour expected of the largest land mammal in the world. She visits the Minneriya Tank with her family for the first time to participate in the annual Great Gathering. Curious and adventurous, she makes new friends, but is soon lost and in trouble. How will little Eyesha find her way back to her mother?

With spectacular illustrations by Manoshi de Silva that capture the beauty of the region and a well-researched Glossary and Fun Facts page that encourage children to appreciate animals in the wild, Eyesha and the Great Elephant Gathering is an entertaining and educational book for children.

"That's it. After reading this book I want to quit the human race and join the far more civilized world of Asian Elephants. Highly recommended for any parent who wants to open their children's eyes to the wonder and warmth of other species on our planet" - Nancy Heinzel (Amazon Review)

Do you like to learn about animals? Have you ever heard of a Fishing Cat?

Felena lives happily with her adopted family. However, they abandon her when they realize it is illegal to rear endangered animals as pets. Small and alone, Felena has to use her wits to survive. Will she learn to forage for food on her own? Or will she fall prey to a predator? Will she find a new home?

Follow the adventures of a little wildcat as she overcomes adversity and finds out where she truly belongs in this entertaining story with beautiful full-page illustrations by Iaz Abdul Cader. This book includes Revision Questions and Fun Facts that will educate children about endangered species in Sri Lanka.

"Educational and refreshing....a great read for kids and adults alike, to help us understand the importance of coexistence with animals and nature" - Otara Gunewardene

Sri Lanka Gems provides an insight into the gem industry of Sri Lanka, with photographs that illustrate the stages of the gem industry that transform the gems from rough, uncut stones to polished beautiful jewellery. The book also showcases the many different varieties of gems found in Sri Lanka, with photographs taken on-site by Vladyslav Yavorskyy.

Sri Lanka: The Island From Above captures the variety of vivid colours and captivating scenery present on Sri Lanka from an aerial perspective, adding another dimension to the beauty of the island that is invisible to us from the ground. Photographed by Sebastian Posingis and Dominic Sansoni, with text by Richard Simon, this book captures the beauty of the island in all its various and wonderful locations.

Mermaids, Demons, Gods....

Sita Devi, the wife of Lord Rama, the Prince of Arodhya, has been abducted by the Demon King Raavana. Hanuman, the Ape hero, is tasked with building a bridge to facilitate the invasion of Lanka. The Ape army gathers on the southern coast of India.

The expedition is however brought to a halt by the workings of the Mer-People who inhabit the Indian Ocean. Follow Hanuman as he struggles to overcome their enchantments and complete his task. However, who is the mysterious Mer-Queen who lures him into her undersea lair? What part has she to play in this epic war? Is all fair in love and war?

The Ramayana is a Hindu Epic as old and as famous as Homer's Odyssey. This is the Ramakien (the Thai version of the Hindu tale) retold by Nadishka Aloysius with illustrations by Vasika Udurawane.

"Beautifully descriptive and fast-paced, Raavana's Daughter is perfect for any Rick Riordan or mythology fans out there" - Joshua Grant (Amazon Review)

Journal de bord d'un vaisseau français aux Indes Orientales sous Louis XIV

Le 16 mars 1671, le navire du roi le Breton appareille de La Rochelle pour apporter à l'Escarde de Perse qui se trouve aux Indes, la plus importante flotte jamais vue dans cette partie du monde et envoyée par Louis XIV, un coffre plein de 100,000 livres, des hommes en renfort et les lettres du roi.