The Asian Review Sinhala, the Sinhala language edition of The Asian Review, is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in its journey to promote literature in Sri Lanka. After 18 months of operation as a franchised entity with Minsara Publishers Sri Lanka, the publication has announced it will not renew its partnership beyond 1st June 2025, instead forging ahead with seven new international partners and one local collaborator.

Since its establishment in November 2023, The Asian Review Sinhala has transcended its conventional mandate as a literary magazine to become a cultural cornerstone in Gampaha. Working in conjunction with the Asian House of Literature, another subsidiary of The Asian Group of Literature, the publication spearheaded the city’s first sustained literary discussion series, achieving remarkable success with 70 completed sessions, 2,850 participant engagements, showcases for 90 authors, and introductions to 211 books for local readers.

This impressive cultural contribution has filled a significant void in Gampaha’s literary landscape, where neither publishers nor bookshops had previously demonstrated substantial interest in cultivating the literary community. The Asian Review Sinhala’s initiative has created a vibrant space for literary engagement and intellectual discourse previously absent in the region.

However, as the publication’s influence grew, the Asian Group identified a fundamental conflict of interest in maintaining a partnership between a publisher and a bookshop whilst pursuing its non-profit, independent mission of literary promotion. This realisation prompted a strategic decision to allow the franchise agreement with Minsara Publishers to expire, enabling The Asian Review Sinhala to preserve its integrity and continue its community-driven approach to literary advancement.

“Our primary commitment has always been to the readers and the broader literary community,” explained the publication’s spokesperson, Dr Nadeera Nilupamali. “While we acknowledge the support Minsara has provided over the past 18 months, we recognised that our mission required complete independence to flourish authentically. This transition represents not an ending but a beginning of a more expansive chapter in our story.”

The decision reflects a broader observation about the business community in Gampaha and the publishing industry across Sri Lanka, which have yet to fully embrace the potential of literary promotion as a meaningful corporate social responsibility initiative. Despite the clear cultural and educational benefits demonstrated by The Asian Review Sinhala’s programmes, commercial support has remained limited.

Undeterred by these challenges, the publication has secured partnerships with seven international organisations and one local entity that share its vision and values. These collaborations are expected to significantly amplify the impact of The Asian Review Sinhala’s initiatives and ensure the sustainability of its community-focused programmes.

“Our new partnerships represent a meeting of minds and missions,” the spokesperson continued. “Each of our collaborators brings unique perspectives, resources, and networks that will enrich our offerings and extend our reach. Most importantly, they understand and respect our commitment to maintaining editorial independence and our non-profit ethos.”

The transition marks a significant milestone in the publication’s evolution. By shedding the constraints of commercial associations, The Asian Review Sinhala aims to expand its programming, diversify its content, and deepen its engagement with readers across Sri Lanka. The international partnerships will facilitate cross-cultural exchanges, bringing global literary perspectives to local audiences whilst also creating platforms for Sri Lankan voices to reach international readers.

“We envision a future where The Asian Review Sinhala serves as a bridge between Sri Lankan literature and the wider world,” said Dr Nilupamli. “Our readers will benefit from exposure to diverse literary traditions, whilst our local authors will gain opportunities to connect with international audiences. This cultural exchange is essential for the vitality and growth of our literary ecosystem.”

The publication has expressed gratitude to Minsara Books for its support during the initial phase of its journey, acknowledging that while the partnership presented challenges, it provided the foundation upon which The Asian Review Sinhala could establish itself. As the publication moves forward, it carries valuable lessons from this experience into its new partnerships.

“We part ways with Minsara Books with appreciation for our shared history,” the statement read. “The past 18 months have been instructive, allowing us to refine our vision and strengthen our resolve. We are now better positioned to pursue our mission with clarity and purpose.”

Looking ahead, The Asian Review Sinhala has outlined ambitious plans for expanding its literary discussion series, introducing new formats for author engagement, and developing digital platforms to reach wider audiences. The publication remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the literary culture of Gampaha and beyond, driven by the mandate it has received from its readers.

“Literature has the power to transform individuals and communities,” the spokesperson emphasised. “We have witnessed this transformation firsthand through our programmes, and we are dedicated to extending these opportunities to more people across Sri Lanka.”

As The Asian Review Sinhala prepares to enter this new phase on 1st June 2025, it stands as a testament to the enduring value of literature and the importance of community-driven cultural initiatives. In choosing independence and forging international partnerships, the publication is not merely ensuring its own sustainability but is actively contributing to the enrichment of Sri Lanka’s literary landscape.

For the readers of Gampaha and across Sri Lanka, this transition promises a future of expanded literary horizons, deeper cultural connections, and continued access to the transformative power of stories. The Asian Review Sinhala’s journey exemplifies how literary initiatives can thrive when they remain true to their core mission, even in the face of commercial pressures and industry limitations.

Mohan Dharmaratne