Roshenka Jayamaha’s Adventure Don & the Sea Turtle Rescue launched by M.D. Gunasena and celebrated as Sri Lanka’s first multi-faceted chapter book 

M.D. Gunasena, Sri Lanka’s premier publisher, recently launched Adventure Don & the Sea Turtle Rescue at an exclusive event at its Visakha Road bookshop. Written and illustrated by award-winning communications consultant, coach and writer Roshenka Jayamaha, this innovative chapter book is the first in an ongoing adventure series for readers aged 6-10. Billed as the first multi-faceted chapter book of its kind to be produced in Sri Lanka, it features an extensive storytelling ecosystem.

Along with the book and its artful hand-drawn illustrations, readers can access an English comprehension quiz, earn a Guardian badge, get a personalised certificate, enjoy, sing along to the catchy theme song, learn from a rich array of character, wildlife and fact cards, activity sheets, learning resources and games (given at special events), and join the author’s reading club. Delivering world-class children’s literature with local roots and international appeal, Roshenka’s Adventure Don series is part of M.D. Gunasena’s strategic push into global markets.  

At the launch, Mr Rajiv Gunasena, the Managing Director of M.D. Gunasena, presented the author with the first copy of the book and launched the digital edition on the Gurulogomi app. Founder and Directress of Daybridge International School, Iromi Weerasinghe, an educational leader with a career spanning 40 years, formally reviewed the work. Roshenka Jayamaha gifted her first copy of the book to her son, delivered a reading for her guests and VIP young readers, who went on to receive a special edition activity pack, and the event concluded with a book signing session. 

Adventure Don & the Sea Turtle Rescue follows eight-year-old Don Rupert, who unexpectedly becomes the next Guardian of the Wild and embarks on his first mission to rescue loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings on Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Luckily, he has the help of his inventor father Alex, happy-go-lucky mother Rosy, faithful dog Beau and his air-surf skateboard Berty. The series also serves as a transitional reading tool, helping children confidently progress from picture books to chapter books. 

Speaking at the launch, Rajiv Gunasena, the Managing Director of M.D. Gunasena reflected on the publisher’s 113-year legacy and commended Roshenka’s storytelling: ‘Every book we publish carries with it a simple hope—that somewhere, someone’s life will be transformed by what they read. When I met Roshenka, I saw someone with a rare gift. Not simply the ability to write. Many people can write.

But very few can create worlds that children genuinely want to live in. In her, I was reminded of the qualities that made writers such as Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, and J. K. Rowling beloved across generations. They never spoke down to children. They respected their imagination. They trusted children to understand courage, kindness, humour, friendship, and hope. I saw that same belief in Roshenka. Not that she should become another Roald Dahl or another J. K. Rowling. The world already has them. What the world needs is the first Roshenka. Every generation deserves its own storytellers, and I believe Roshenka is one of those voices. It has been a privilege for all of us at M.D. Gunasena to play a part in bringing Roshenka’s work to readers and we are honoured to walk alongside her on this journey.’

Educational leader Mrs Iromi Weerasinghe, the Founder & Directress of Daybride International School, described the book as “an absolute must-have in every library that offers a story all children will want to reach for.” 

She praised the book’s engaging storytelling, pacing, action-packed plot, memorable characters, wholesome values and conservation message. Sharing her thoughts, she said: ‘Adventure Don is full of humour, originality and warmth and showcases the author’s fabulous imagination. It is a delightful story that encourages children to care for wildlife while strengthening their literacy and comprehension skills. It is exactly the kind of inspiring, enriching and unforgettable story today’s young readers need and all its many elements deliver a truly special and interactive reading experience.’

To learn more about Adventure Don & the Sea Turtle Rescue, visit mdgunasena.com. Readers are encouraged to sign up for the author’s reading club on www.roshenkajayamaha.com when getting a copy of their book.