‘The Passionpreneures’ 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 icons in the publishing industry in Sri Lanka, who has merged his knowledge of information technology with publishing and taken publishing and reading to new heights. Pradeep Gamage is an IT engineer by profession who comes from a deeply rooted literary ancestry. He is the co-founder of Metareads and the founder and CEO of Goodreads Lanka. 

The Asian Review is pleased to showcase Pradeep Gamage, an emerging entrepreneur who has demonstrated outstanding innovative thinking and unyielding will and has contributed immensely to the country and region he comes from. 

The common perception about Information Technology is all about machines, and you challenge this. Can you tell our 25,000-plus daily readers about your story of transformation from an IT specialist to an emerging entrepreneur in the publishing industry, and what was the motivation behind that?

I am happy to share my transformation from an information technology specialist to a budding entrepreneur in the publishing industry. While information technology is frequently connected with machines and digital components, my story demonstrates the breadth of potential available in this profession.

My career in publishing began with the understanding that technology might be a great tool for storytelling and connecting people via reading. As an IT professional, I recognised the opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and literature, thereby creating a distinct place for digital publication.

This evolution was motivated by a love of literature and a desire to bring innovation to the world of books. With the growing popularity of digital platforms, I observed the changing landscape of reading habits and believed in the potential of technology to improve the reading experience.

The trip was not without its hurdles, but we founded Goodreads Lanka with determination and a team of like-minded individuals. Our goal was to reimagine the traditional publishing model by incorporating digital innovations, making literature more accessible to a wider audience.

We wanted to cater to readers’ increasing preferences through our digital publishing platform, offering them a smooth and dynamic reading experience. Our dedication to high-quality materials and innovative technology has enabled us to carve out a distinct niche in the publishing industry.

Today, Goodreads Lanka is a tribute to the marriage of technology and literature, challenging the public’s understanding of information technology. 

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?

 An economic crisis can have rapid and major effects on the publishing sector in the near run. Consumers may cut their expenditure on non-essential things such as books, resulting in a drop in book sales. Publishers may have difficulties with cash flow, distribution, and marketing. Economic insecurity may also lead to a reduction in investments in new literary ventures.

The publishing sector may need to adjust to shifting consumer behaviour and develop new ways to attract readers in the medium term. This could include looking into digital platforms, online sales, and e-books to help offset the impact of decreased physical book sales. To appeal to cost-conscious consumers, publishers may need to reassess their marketing techniques.

An economic downturn may have an impact on authors’ ability to acquire publishing deals as well as financial support for literary events, book fairs, and other cultural projects. During difficult economic circumstances, writers may find it more difficult to sustain themselves by their writing.

The long-term recovery of the publishing business and literary environment may be influenced by broader economic trends and government actions. If the economic downturn continues, structural reforms in the publishing industry may be required to ensure its long-term viability. Collaborations between publishers, writers, and the government could be involved to help the cultural and creative industries.

It is crucial to remember that the intensity of an economic crisis might vary depending on the resilience of the publishing ecosystem and the flexibility of industry stakeholders. Keeping up to date on the current economic environment and actively participating with the local publishing community can help businesses overcome obstacles and contribute to the literary landscape’s long-term vibrancy.

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?

Goodreads Lanka recognises South Asia’s unique scenario, in which there is a remarkable majority of printed books per population, despite the troubling issues encountered by authors in terms of low pay, numerous copyright infringements, and a lack of investment from publishers. As a developing entrepreneur in the literary ecosystem, particularly as a representation of the younger generation, constructive change demands a conscious and proactive approach.

To begin, addressing the issue of underpaying authors is critical for fostering a sustainable and active literary environment. Goodreads Lanka aspires to provide fair and transparent remuneration arrangements that ensure authors are fairly compensated for their creative skills. We aim to recruit and keep creative writers by introducing royalty systems that represent the true value of their work, thereby improving the general quality of literature produced in the region.

Second, copyright infringement is a widespread problem threatening authors’ creative rights. Goodreads Lanka is dedicated to addressing this issue with a combination of legal and technological solutions. We plan to secure our authors’ intellectual property by collaborating with legal professionals and investing in leading-edge digital rights management systems, establishing an environment where innovation is recognised, safeguarded, and rewarded.

Furthermore, Goodreads Lanka intends to build projects that promote and support young talent, recognising the need to increase investment in authors. This includes mentorship programs, writing seminars, and promotional activities to help authors raise their profiles. We want to establish an ecosystem where authors feel valued and encouraged to push creative boundaries by encouraging a culture of collaboration and investment in the literary community.

Goodreads Lanka sees the potential to change the digital publishing business by embracing innovative technologies and platforms. We aim to reach a larger audience and establish more revenue streams by forming strategic partnerships with online shops and creating interesting digital content. This, in turn, will allow us to reinvest in authors and the broader improvement of South Asia’s literary landscape.

You are pioneering audiobooks in Sri Lanka; what are your thoughts about the audio books’ arrival in the market and the future of the printed book? And how can digitalisation contribute to protecting the work of writers, as well as the reading habits?

The rise of audiobook platforms such as Goodreads Lanka and Metaredas in Sri Lanka indicates the growing digitalisation trend in the literary world. The development of audiobooks not only gives readers another way to consume knowledge but also caters to people who prefer aural learning or have limited time for traditional reading. This format change provides a more immersive and convenient experience, making literature more accessible to a wider audience. The expansion of literary possibilities has the potential to encourage more people to engage with books and literature, establishing a culture of continual learning and amusement.

As audiobooks become more popular, the future of printed books may encounter certain obstacles. However, it is critical to understand that both styles can live, with each catering to various preferences and needs. Printed books provide a tactile and nostalgic experience that audiobooks may not fully mimic. The appeal of flicking through actual pages, the smell of a new book, and the joy of building a personal library all add to printed literature’s continuing allure. While audiobooks may dominate in some areas, the printed book will never disappear, as it holds a special place in the hearts of passionate readers.

The availability of audiobooks in Sri Lanka via outlets such as Goodreads Lanka and Metaredas represents a favourable shift in the literary environment. The coexistence of many media, such as printed books and digital alternatives, enables a broad and inclusive reading culture. Digitalization also helps to secure authors’ work and fosters a dynamic link between writers and readers, assuring the continuous expansion and accessibility of literature in changing marketplaces.

You lead the Augmented Reality Books segment in Sri Lanka, probably in South Asia. First of all, our readers might want to know what exactly an AR book is, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and how AR Books may contribute to the reading landscape in Sri Lanka. 

Augmented Reality (AR) Books add a new and interactive dimension to typical reading experiences by combining physical books with digital content via technology. AR books increase reader engagement by superimposing digital components such as animations, movies, or interactive graphics onto the pages of a physical book. This produces a multi-sensory experience in which readers can engage with dynamic digital elements that enrich the narrative as well as see the text on the page.

One key advantage of augmented reality books is their capacity to grab and keep reader interest, especially in a tech-savvy age where traditional forms of media may struggle to compete. The introduction of multimedia features not only improves the reading experience and serves as a potent instructional tool, especially for younger audiences. Visual aids, animations, and supplementary information can help with content understanding and memory.

The introduction of AR books by Goodreads Lanka-Metareads in the Sri Lankan setting is a positive stride in the reading scene. In the face of the temptation of digital entertainment, Sri Lanka, like many other countries, has the issue of luring younger generations to read. AR books, which combine the familiarity of physical books with the excitement of technology, provide a fresh method to bridging this divide. AR books’ interactive character corresponds to the tastes of a digitally oriented society, potentially renewing interest in literature and learning.

Goodreads Lanka-Metareads’ supremacy in the Augmented Reality Books section indicates a favourable trajectory for the reading scene in Sri Lanka and South Asia. When the benefits of AR books are considered alongside accessibility and potential distractions, they position them as a helpful instrument in fostering literacy, education, and a revitalised interest in reading in the region.

Early adaptors and innovators encountered resistance oftentimes. How has your venture, especially AR Books, been embraced by the traditional publishers, booksellers, and readers in Sri Lanka? What are the ways in which you are tackling those challenges you encounter? 

The incorporation of augmented reality in literature was viewed as a deviation from traditional norms, which sparked mistrust. Traditional publishers were hesitant to embrace this novel technique, worried that it might disturb the traditional reading experience. Booksellers were cautious to allocate shelf space for AR-enhanced books, while readers were unsure of the value addition of augmented reality to their literary experience.

Goodreads Lanka and Metareads implemented careful measures to solve these difficulties. Collaboration with traditional publishers permitted the incorporation of AR features into established literary works, alleviating concerns. By actively incorporating booksellers in the process, on-site demos of AR Books’ interactive and immersive capabilities were possible. In addition, Goodreads Lanka launched focused marketing strategies to educate readers on the enriching advantages of augmented reality in reading. Goodreads Lanka and Metareads successfully weathered initial hostility by bridging the gap between innovation and tradition, producing a more receptive climate for AR Books in the Sri Lankan literary world.

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, in such a context, how far can AR Book reach out to people? How long would it take for the AR Books to be accessible to everyone?

AR books have the potential to drastically close the technology gap in Sri Lanka by providing an immersive and accessible learning experience, particularly in rural areas. However, widespread acceptance will be contingent on addressing infrastructural issues, boosting internet connectivity, and ensuring affordability. Given the present rural population percentage, AR books may take several years to reach everyone. Infrastructure development, digital literacy promotion, and collaboration with local communities should be prioritised. Government initiatives, collaboration with non-governmental organisations, and corporate sector participation can speed up the process. It is critical for cultural relevance and universal acceptability to tailor AR content to local languages and educational needs. While providing a precise date is difficult, a committed and coordinated effort can hasten the incorporation of AR books, making technology-driven education accessible to Sri Lanka’s diverse population.

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?

Sri Lanka’s move to impose taxes on educational supplies and publications appears regressive, particularly at a time when long-term expenditures are important. Taxing key educational resources may impede access to information, exacerbate inequities, and stymie human capital development. Education should be prioritised as a cornerstone for long-term development by progressive policymakers. Sri Lanka risks undermining its long-term growth and competitiveness by discouraging the pursuit of knowledge through taxation. Policymakers should evaluate such steps in order to establish a favourable climate for education, innovation, and long-term investments in line with worldwide trends that recognise education’s critical role in attaining economic and social progress.

Do you have any parting words? 

Book publishing thrives in both print and digital sectors in Sri Lanka, where tradition meets technology. From conventional presses to digital platforms, embrace the rich content of literature. Allow the written word to serve as a link between the past and the future, linking readers from different generations.

Thank you for being a part of The Passionpreneurs’ exclusive business interview series. On behalf of The Asian Review and the Asian Group of Literature, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.