The Book Studio has introduced Sri Lanka’s first fully automated book vending machine, marking a major innovation in the country’s publishing and retail sector.
Designed to redefine how readers discover and purchase books, the self-service machine combines technology and convenience to make literature more accessible in everyday environments. The initiative is built around the belief that “everywhere can be a reading space,” encouraging learning and reading culture within high-footfall public locations.
The automated vending unit enables customers to instantly purchase books, stationery, and learning essentials, helping bridge the gap between busy modern lifestyles and the accessibility of reading materials.
Commenting on the launch, The Book Studio CEO and Director Kushan Gunasekera described the initiative as a milestone in the company’s vision of building a more well-read Sri Lanka. He noted that the automated platform creates new opportunities for schools, universities, banks, hospitals, corporates, and other public spaces to offer reading and educational materials in a more visible and convenient manner.
The company said it plans to expand the concept island-wide as part of a broader effort to make reading more engaging, innovative, and accessible for all communities.
As part of its wider growth strategy, The Book Studio also announced plans to launch two new flagship outlets in Sri Lanka’s Southern and Northern regions. The upcoming locations are expected to go beyond the traditional bookstore model by offering immersive literary and lifestyle experiences through modern retail design, curated collections, interactive environments, and technology-enabled convenience.
Havelock City Mall marks Mother’s Day with exclusive retail offers and debut Mother & Daughter fashion show
Havelock City Mall concluded its Mother’s Day Celebration Weekend 2026 with strong visitor engagement, bringing together premium retail promotions, lifestyle experiences, and the debut “Mother and Daughter” Fashion Show in a shopping mall setting.
Held on 9 and 10 May, the two-day programme attracted a high-profile audience and reinforced the mall’s positioning as a leading lifestyle destination in Colombo. Throughout the weekend, shoppers enjoyed exclusive seasonal promotions and curated offers across fashion, food and beverage, and wellness brands, encouraging gifting-focused purchases and stronger retail engagement during the Mother’s Day period.
A key highlight of the celebrations took place on 10 May, when Havelock City Mall partnered with Chokolaate to host the first-ever Mother and Daughter Fashion Show, Shopping Mall Edition. The showcase drew prominent guests and added a premium fashion and lifestyle element to the weekend’s activities.
The fashion show featured support from a range of fashion, jewellery, footwear, and beauty partners, including AriElle, Baylee, Chenara Dodge, Dilly and Carlo, Fabindia, Jia Moda, Mimosa, DSI Premier, Saheli, GIVA, Moonstone, Cool Planet, and Salon Naturals.
Families and shoppers participated across the mall’s retail and dining spaces throughout the weekend, reflecting growing consumer demand for immersive lifestyle-driven retail experiences. The integration of shopping, dining, and fashion entertainment further strengthened Havelock City Mall’s positioning as an experience-focused commercial destination in Colombo.
The Book Studio revolutionises reading with Sri Lanka’s first automated book vending machine
