Renowned Publisher Deshabandhu Sirisumana Godage Passes Away

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Deshabandu Sirisumana Godage, the proprietor of the prestigious Godage Publications, has passed away last night at the age of 89 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born in 1936 in Matara, Sirisumana Godage initially entered the world of books through the art of bookbinding, guided by the instructions of the Venerable Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero.

In 1956, he established Godage Publications, embarking on a lifelong mission to uplift the country’s literary landscape. 

His contributions were monumental. Godage Publications won the State Award for publishing the highest number of books annually for 38 consecutive years.

He introduced the Godage Manuscript Competition and the Godage Literary Awards, providing a vital platform for emerging authors and celebrating excellence in literature.

The body of the late Sirisumana Godage will lie at a private funeral parlor in Borella from 4:00 PM today for the public to pay their final respects.

The final rites are scheduled to be performed on Saturday afternoon at the Borella General Cemetery.