‘The Passionpreneure Exclusive’ is The Asian Review’s showcase of leading entrepreneurs in the publishing industry whose passion for books, writing and reading has brought them to notable heights in their field. The Passionpreneurs series features publishers who engage in ethical practices, have done notable work in their country of origin and outside, and long to connect with the publishing community in the world.

Today we meet one of the leading female icons in the publishing industry in Sri Lanka. She started her career as an English teacher after completing her bachelor’s in English and later found her passion for publishing and writing. Kanchana Priyakantha is the founder and CEO at KBOOKS one of the largest online book retailers in Sri Lanka, KReader.lk, a digital reading platform offering both ebooks and audiobooks.

From her school days, Kanchana has been deeply involved in literary pursuits, authoring twelve books in both Sinhala and English across diverse genres. Her literary achievements include the national recognition of her latest collection of short stories, “Dream Catchers,” which earned accolades in Sri Lanka. Her writings, spanning multiple languages, have garnered attention, with some of her works being shortlisted for literary awards. Moreover, her writings have been translated into English, Tamil, and Nepali.

She is an advisor and coordinator for the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) in India, representing Sri Lanka. 

In 2023, Kanchana was honoured with the SAARC Literary Awards and the FOSWAL Literary Awards from the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature in India.

The Asian Review is pleased to showcase an emerging female entrepreneur from Sri Lanka who demonstrates an outstanding level of innovative thinking and unyielding will and has contributed immensely to the country and region she comes from. 

Teaching is all about sharing knowledge, and the books do the same. Can you tell our 25,000-plus daily readers about your story of transformation from a teacher to an emerging entrepreneur in the publishing industry?

I’ve always believed that the right one unfolds before you when you’re uncertain about the path to take. While becoming a teacher and entrepreneur was never part of my dreams, writing has been my enduring passion. I grew up in a small town, a considerable distance from Colombo, in times when easy access to various resources was a luxury. Social media was not yet the buzz, and our world was limited.

As fate would have it, my knack for writing didn’t naturally segue into book creation. Life led me to the role of a teacher, a journey that unfolded unexpectedly. I found myself teaching kids with minimal exposure to the English language, and the desire to make English less daunting for them birthed an activity book aimed at enhancing their reading and comprehension skills.

Finding a publisher, however, proved to be a daunting task. I approached several publishers who suggested submitting the manuscript for review. Instead, I took a different route, publishing it independently under the name KSP Publishers, later rebranded as KBOOKS. Initially, the plan was to focus solely on my creations, but life had other ideas.

Over time, KBOOKS evolved into a platform for various writers, and today, we stand proud, having published over eighty-five award-winning and shortlisted print books. The journey didn’t stop there—we’ve also ventured into the digital realm with nearly five hundred ebooks under KReader.

In essence, while pursuing your passion is ideal, finding fulfilment in what you do and adapting to the needs at hand can be equally rewarding. That’s the ethos that has shaped KBOOKS and KReader into what they are today—a testament to the unexpected beauty that can emerge when you embrace the unknown path.

As a leading entrepreneur in Sri Lanka’s publishing ecosystem, what is your opinion on the impact of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, not only on publishing as an industry but also on the literary landscape in the country in the short, medium and long run?

The current economic crisis in Sri Lanka is undeniably unfortunate, affecting numerous industries and livelihoods. The economy remains unstable, impacting citizens’ buying power due to unavoidable price hikes in basic necessities, which are escalating daily.

This economic strain poses a significant threat to both the publishing industry and the literary landscape; for many Sri Lankan writers, who often engage in writing as part-timers or as a hobby, producing high-value literary work has become a daunting challenge. In a country with a population of 23 million, not every citizen is an avid reader, further limiting the potential readership.

Government initiatives that once supported writers and publishers through book purchases have dwindled due to budget constraints. Consequently, publishers may become discouraged, given the increased investments required. Individuals have shifted to alternative industries and job categories, adding an element of unpredictability to the situation.

High tax impositions have dissuaded regular readers from spending on books, creating a detrimental cycle. This scenario points towards a survival-of-the-fittest dynamic, deviating from the ideals of a civilised society.

The economic crisis casts a pervasive shadow over the publishing industry and the literary landscape. Navigating these challenging times will demand resilience, adaptability, and collective efforts to ensure the survival and revival of the industry amid the current uncertainties.

South Asia holds the record for the world’s highest number of printed books per capita per person; nevertheless, the authors are not well paid, the copyrights are often violated, and the publishers are not investing in their authors. As an emerging entrepreneur in the literary ecosystem, especially as a person from the young generation, what is your opinion on this situation, and what is your vision for changing these unhealthy trends in the industry?

Certainly, in addressing the notion that South Asia holds the record for the highest printed books per capita but faces issues of inadequate author compensation, copyright violations, and insufficient publisher investment, I’d like to provide a nuanced perspective based on my own experiences as both a writer and a publisher.

Accusations of mistreatment within the industry should not solely rest on rumours or assumptions. Instead, I advocate for a fair evaluation grounded in facts and figures. While some may paint publishers as exploiters, I choose to approach this with transparency and truth, recognising that the business side of publishing is complex.

Drawing from my personal journey, my initial literary work, a short story collection printed a decade ago, faced challenges in sales. The publisher invested significantly, and even though the copies didn’t sell as expected, it paved the way for my literary journey, attracting recognition and opportunities. As a writer, my gratitude extends beyond royalty payments to encompass the invaluable aspects of recognition and a reputable name.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the dual responsibility in this partnership. While a publisher’s role is to ensure proper distribution and promotion, writers must actively invest in building their brand. It’s a symbiotic relationship where both parties contribute to the success of a literary work.

As a firm believer in fair business practices, I emphasise that success is a two-way street. If accusations against a publisher hold merit, proper evidence should be presented for a fair judgment. Notably, established and bestselling authors often maintain a trusting relationship with their publishers, recognising the multifaceted investments made, including time and labour.

Rather than viewing publishers as exploiters, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration is essential. If writers feel exploited, establishing their publication house can provide firsthand insight into the intricacies of the industry. It’s about recognising both parties’ shared efforts and investments, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and prosperous literary ecosystem.

What do you think of the audio and E-book’s arrival in the market and the future of the printed book? And how can digitalisation contribute to protecting the work of writers?

In the ever-evolving landscape of literature, Sri Lanka needs to catch up with the global shift towards technology. Despite having top-tier developers, there seems to be a bit of a cautious approach, perhaps a reluctance, to embrace these advancements fully.

You see, e-books and audiobooks have become staples in the global publishing scene. In developed countries, when a book hits the market, it’s like a triple treat – available in print, audio, and digital. They get it; readers have diverse preferences. Some love the tactile experience of a book, while others prefer to hit play and listen.

It’s interesting; here in Sri Lanka, there’s a concern about how e-books might impact the traditional print market. But look, in countries where publishing is a major industry, they seamlessly incorporate all formats.

Now, let’s talk digital books. They’re like the superheroes of literature—affordable, portable, no extra baggage, and stick around as long as the app is alive. As a writer, I’m all about having my work available in all formats. Sometimes, we don’t reprint if the physical copies aren’t flying off the shelves, but I want my work to endure. Digital books make that possible, benefiting both writers and readers. It’s a win-win that embraces the best of both worlds.

K-Books was first a digital marketplace for books in Sri Lanka, and now you have introduced KReader, an e-reader like Nook and Kindle. How would these change the book, reader, writer and publisher in Sri Lanka?

Certainly, it’s an exhilarating evolution for us. KReader, building on the foundation of KBOOKS, is set to redefine the literary landscape in Sri Lanka. We’re not pivoting away from print; instead, we’re embracing a comprehensive approach to make literature accessible to all.

KReader brings the world of digital books to your fingertips, offering unparalleled convenience for readers prioritising time, energy, and cost-effectiveness. We’re introducing subscription-based reading for the first time in Sri Lanka, providing readers with unlimited access. Whether it’s an individual, family, or corporate subscription, we’ve tailored our offerings to meet diverse needs. The app is feature-rich and equipped with functions like bookmarking, highlighting, note-taking, and font customisation, ensuring a personalised reading experience.

From the writer’s perspective, KReader is a new revenue stream, expanding its audience across digital, audio, and print formats. Imagine having your entire collection, whether it’s 10 or 1000 books, available in one place for seamless accessibility. This benefits both writers and readers alike. With indirect promotion and the potential for direct agreements, publishers also gain, particularly if they retain sole ownership.

In essence, KReader is not just an e-reader; it’s a dynamic platform that enriches the reading experience, creates opportunities for writers, and opens promotional avenues for publishers. We’re excited to see how this transformative approach fosters a vibrant literary culture in Sri Lanka.

Early adaptors and innovators encountered resistance oftentimes. How has your venture, especially KReader, been embraced by the readers in Sri Lanka?

In late September, we proudly launched our MVP, and the response has been phenomenal. Achieving a robust base of paying customers in such a short span is truly an accomplishment. The KReader App’s positive reception, offering convenience to readers, has garnered significant awareness. The encouragement and support from readers, writers, and publishers fuel our commitment to continuous improvement for enhanced usability and accessibility. Our flexibility, allowing users to cancel subscriptions anytime, underscores our commitment to user satisfaction.

However, amidst this success, there’s notable resistance from some individuals glued to social media. It’s amusing that they declare their aversion to digital reading despite being immersed in the digital world. Nonetheless, they’ll recognise the value of digital publishing. The journey is about breaking barriers, and we’re ready for it.

As per the statistics, there seems to be no equity in Sri Lanka’s access to technology, and the island nation’s rural population is 80.97% as of 2022. Even printed books remain a luxury in some rural localities. Therefore, how far can we reach out to people with e-books in such a context? How long would it take for the e-book to be accessible to everyone?

In a world where access to printed books is considered a luxury, digital books emerge as a commodity, and this paradigm shift is particularly evident in the context of Sri Lanka. KReader, the platform I represent, addresses the accessibility challenges by providing affordable reading options for local language readers. Our commitment to inclusivity is unwavering, with a mission to ensure that economic constraints should not deprive anyone of the joy of reading.

In today’s landscape, smartphones have become ubiquitous, even in economically challenged households. Despite financial hardships, individuals prioritise owning a smartphone and a data card, making digital content more accessible. Notably, the pandemic accelerated this trend, compelling many to acquire smartphones for various essential needs.

Highlighting KReader’s affordability, our monthly subscription stands at a mere LKR750 for one device. This cost comparison is compelling when considering that the same amount might only allow the purchase of two or three printed books. Importantly, our flexible subscription model, allowing cancellation and renewal at any time, ensures adaptability to users’ financial situations.

I firmly believe that KReader’s value proposition extends beyond affordability. By eliminating travel costs, saving time, and reducing labour, KReader makes reading accessible to even the most economically disadvantaged individuals. In essence, our platform empowers the poorest person to embrace the transformative power of literature.

In most countries, in the developed and developing world, most educational materials and books are exempt from taxation. A few weeks ago, Sri Lanka imposed taxes on books. How progressive are the country’s policy-makers introducing these policies at a critical juncture where Sri Lanka should look at sustainable investments?

I staunchly oppose the recent decision to impose taxes on printed materials, particularly books. Policy-makers ought to exhibit sensibility in their choices, recognising that books are not mere commodities but vessels of knowledge and education. They are pivotal in fostering critical thinking and are indispensable in pursuing knowledge.

I believe certain fundamental aspects, such as food, shelter, security, and education, should never be considered luxuries. Taxing printed materials, especially books, poses a significant threat to the industry. Publishers, crucial contributors to the dissemination of knowledge, may face adverse consequences. This taxation policy can potentially discourage investment in new books, creating a void that would adversely impact readers and writers.

I advocate for the government to reconsider such decisions and focus on more sensible taxation alternatives. Instead of burdening essential educational materials, efforts should be directed towards addressing tax evasion by larger entities. Targeting non-essential items for taxation would be a more judicious approach. Imposing taxes on books is a regressive move that jeopardises the literary ecosystem and hampers societal progress. In a critical juncture where sustainable investments are paramount, policymakers should prioritise decisions that foster education, knowledge, and the well-being of the nation as a whole.

Do you have any parting words?

I’d like to I express my gratitude to The Asian Group of Literature for this insightful interview and thought-provoking questions. In the face of an evolving publishing landscape, collaboration is crucial. This timely discussion sheds light on the challenges ahead and emphasises the need for unity within the industry. Thanks to platforms like yours, we can navigate these changes with a collective mindset, ensuring a resilient and thriving future for literature.