Deshabandu Sirisumana Godage, founder of Godage Publications, has passed away at the age of 90.

He was conferred the Deshabandu title in 2003 in recognition of his service to society.

Born in May 1936 in Palatuwa, Matara District, he was the sixth of nine siblings. He received his education at Gunaratana Maha Vidyalaya in Palatuwa before moving to Kalutara at around the age of 15 due to financial difficulties faced by his family.

Godage began his career as a bookbinder but lost his job unexpectedly. In 1957, he started a small partnership business from a rented shop, binding books obtained from Vidyodaya Pirivena in Maligakanda and gradually expanding his operations.

With the guidance of leading Buddhist clergy, including Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero, he developed close ties with Buddhist institutions.

As his business grew, he expanded into bookbinding, book sales, and supplying books to libraries. In 1970, the business was relocated to Maradana, where the Godage Bookshop continues to operate.

Amid rising demand, the company ventured into publishing, initially focusing on children’s books before expanding to works by a wide range of authors. Over time, it evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s leading publishing houses.

Godage is widely regarded as a key figure in Sri Lanka’s printing and publishing industry. Godage Publications has also maintained a strong presence at the State Literary Awards, securing accolades over a continuous period of 38 years.

At the 2022 State Literary Awards, the institution received five awards. It is recognised as a leading publisher producing works in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, and has received State recognition for publications in all three languages.