Tamil writers, publishers faced long-standing discrimination: Association of Tamil Book Publishers and Distributors
04-Oct-2025.
The Association of Tamil Book Publishers and Distributors has alleged discrimination at the International Book Exhibition organized by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association, claiming that Tamil publishers and bookstores were not given adequate space. They urged measures to prevent such actions in the future.
In their statement, the Association said:
“The Colombo International Book Fair has been held for the past 26 years. Organized by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association, it has grown into a major knowledge festival, attracting hundreds of thousands daily. From textbooks to literature, countless books are available at affordable prices, making it a hub for book lovers.
However, Tamil writers, publishers, and readers have faced long-standing discrimination at this event. It is regrettable that Tamil publishers are not provided sufficient stalls.
Book fairs also provide opportunities for interaction between Tamil and Sinhala writers and readers. Unfortunately, due to inadequate representation of Tamil stalls, Tamil creators are unable to fully participate.
This fair, which draws people from all parts of the country, should be a joyful cultural event.
We appeal that this issue, persisting for 26 years, should not continue any further. The exhibition should serve as a platform for cultural exchange and unity in Sri Lanka.
Each year, about 8,000 books are published in Sinhala, while fewer than 500 are published in Tamil. The Tamil book market in Sri Lanka is very small, with many publications limited to only 300 copies or even fewer. National libraries rarely purchase Tamil books, with only a handful of exceptions.
Many Tamil writers cannot earn from their publications and instead publish at their own expense. Because of this financial strain, they cannot afford quality translations, leading to further challenges in Tamil publishing.
Although the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association is nearly 40 years old, it has not taken sufficient steps to include Tamil publishers. Out of 160 current members, only a few are Tamil publishers.
If the organizing body had included representatives from Tamil and Muslim communities, their voices could have been heard, shortcomings addressed, and equal opportunities ensured.”
