M.D. Gunasena, Sri Lanka’s premier publisher, recently launched an innovative new chapter book for young readers-Adventure Don and the Sea Turtle Rescue, at an exclusive event hosted at the company’s Visakha branch bookshop.
Written and illustrated by Roshenka Jayamaha, this is the first book in an ongoing series, and is designed to take Sri Lankan storytelling to new heights, delivering a world-class piece of children’s literature that can shine on a global stage. This work is also billed as a first for Sri Lanka, in terms of the features and elements that come together to enhance the story-on the page and beyond. Experiences and activities incorporated into the series ecosystem include a theme song, interactive digital quiz, collectible Guardian Badge, personalised certificate, specialist character and wildlife fact cards, activity sheets (given at select events), learning resources, and access to a soon-to-be-launched reading club. These elements invite children to step into the Adventure Don world and deliver a one-of-a-kind, truly multi-faceted and engaging reading experience.
At the launch event, M.D. Gunasena Managing Director Rajiv Gunasena handed over the first official copy of the book to the author and illustrator, and the ebook which can be found on the Gurulogomi.lk app was also launched.
Daybridge International School Founder and Director Iromi Weerasinghe presented the formal review, and the author conducted a special reading for the VIP young readers in attendance. She also gifted her son the first copy of the book, and all the young readers present received a special edition Adventure Don activity kit to commemorate their participation in this historical launch.
Built on a legacy of excellence
Commenting on the company’s rich history as Sri Lanka’s premier publishing house and bookstore, Rajiv Gunasena said: ‘Every great story begins with someone who dared to imagine, and every great society is built by people who first learned to imagine. For 113 years, M.D. Gunasena has had the extraordinary privilege of witnessing this transformation. Every book we publish carries with it a simple hope-that somewhere, someone’s life will be transformed by what they read. Our books must: Help build character, spark curiosity, shape values and inspire courage. Above all, they remind us that the future belongs to those who have the courage to think differently, dream boldly, and turn those dreams into reality.’
The importance of Adventure Don and the author’s distinct voice and style
Commenting on the author’s work and style, he stated, ‘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. As I listened to her speak about her ideas, 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-voices that understand the hopes, challenges, and dreams of children growing up today.’
The power of a well-told story
‘That is why Adventure Don is so important. Yes, it is an exciting adventure. Yes, it is imaginative. Yes, it has the humour, energy, and playful spirit that children love. But beneath every adventure lies an even greater message. It reminds children that heroes are not people with superpowers. Heroes are ordinary people who choose to care. Who choose to solve problems instead of ignoring them. Who choose kindness over indifference. Who believe that even one person-even one child-can change the world. The greatest gift we can give our children is not simply knowledge. It is purpose. A child who believes they can make a difference grows into an adult who does. And sometimes all it takes to plant that belief is one book…one story, one character, one sentence that whispers to a young reader, ‘Perhaps I can do that too.’ That is the true power of literature. It quietly changes lives long after the final page has been turned. Today is a milestone that should be cherished with great pride, and it is the start of an exciting journey. It has been a privilege for all of us at M.D. Gunasena to play a part in bringing Roshenka’s work to readers. We have every confidence that her passion, dedication, and talent will lead to many more books, many more readers, and a truly distinguished writing career. We are honoured to walk alongside her on that journey.’
A must-have in every library
An award-winning educational leader with a career spanning 40 years, Iromi Weerasinghe shared her professional reflections on this book and its value as a piece of children’s fiction for young readers: ‘In a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to get children to read, and they are constantly being pulled away by digital devices and distractions-this book offers so much to draw them back to reading. Firstly, it is wonderfully fast-paced, we start on Don’s birthday, and so much happens in those 24 hours, and the story also ends on his birthday, which is fabulous. Most of the time children get bored when a story drags on, but our author has delved into the plot and action very quickly. I believe that children will find it hard to put this book down. The concept of being a Guardian of the Wild is brilliant and will open up so many emotions in a child, inspiring them to learn about the environment, take responsibility for our planet, rescue animals and care about wildlife. The main character Don does all of this so beautifully-and these are aspects of the book that will really inspire young minds. This book is an absolute must-have in every library, and it offers a story that all children will want to reach for.’
Full of creative value and innovation
‘Some of the thematic aspects that stand out in the writing, are the focus on the family unit and wholesome values such as courage, self-acceptance, confidence and a spirit of determination-the author has artfully woven these into the book. The sound words are catchy, the layout outstanding, and the characters are truly lovable. The story is full of humour, wit and charm. The detailed wildlife fact sheets and nuggets of knowledge about loggerhead sea turtles in the book, make it interesting not just for children but also for adults. This book showcases the author’s truly fabulous imagination, and it is exactly what the children of our generation need. They don’t want stuffy slow-paced stories, today’s readers want action, pace, flair and adventure-and that’s what Adventure Don delivers in style. At the same time, this book shines a spotlight on the wonderfully ordinary moments of life, reminding readers to cherish the little things that truly matter. The digital quiz is another exciting feature; it gives children the option of getting a Guardian badge and certificate after they read the book. This provides them with a chance to engage more deeply with the story, and gives them an important tool for building their English comprehension and literacy skills. In Adventure Don, the author has crafted a beautiful, immersive world, with so many elements that come together seamlessly to deliver a reading and learning experience that is enriching, inspiring, educational and truly unforgettable.’
Written for readers aged 6-10, the story follows eight-year-old Don Rupert-the next Guardian of the Wild-who is sent on an unexpected mission to the sunny coast of Sri Lanka, where one hundred loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings are depending on him. Joined by his inventor dad Alex, his cheerful mum Rosy, his loyal dog Beau, and Berty his cool air-surf skateboard, Don must rise to the challenge of becoming a Guardian-a whole ten years too early! The series is also designed as a transitional reading tool to help young readers progress from picture books to chapter books. Each book will feature a unique mission, and several titles are in the pipeline.
A book series shaped by global experiences and a love for the wilderness
Roshenka Jayamaha brings a unique blend of storytelling, conservation, education and wellbeing knowledge to the Adventure Don series. With more than 17 years of experience in communications, public relations and journalism, she has worked with brands around the world, and was recognised as one of Campaign Asia’s Top 40 Women under 40 to Watch in Asia-Pacific Communications in 2019. Raised in Malawi, she attended Bishop Mackenzie International School and then graduated from Richmond the American International University in London. She got her start at leading telco Globe Internet and then worked for Central African Wilderness Safaris where she loved tracking black rhinos, running writing workshops for students in Liwonde, travelling by boat over the hippo and crocodile-filled waters of the Shire River to Mvuu Camp, flying up to the northern fringes of Nyika where Central Africa’s densest leopard population reside, and supporting the Children in the
Wilderness project. After her time at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Leo Burnett and her own consultancy, her love for the natural world and storytelling only grew further.
Inspired by coaching, communications, giving back and the arts
As a certified nutrition, sleep, stress management and recovery coach, Roshenka also runs workplace wellness programs for corporate teams as well as specialist nutrition and lifestyle management programs for women. She was featured on MSN as a global coach helping to shape health in 2025 and is passionate about teaching others more about healthy habits and living. Harnessing her years of communications experience, she also offers VP-level strategic content, writing and communications consulting, along with soft skills and language training to help brands and teams.
She also supports arts education by running the Atelier program by Fundación Parentes in Sri Lanka for the Crest Lanka Foundation. Aula Atelier is a methodology that transforms the plastic classroom into an art workshop that combines creation and critical thinking in children. A space where students develop the ability to look at the outside and inside world, and find new ways to express themselves through different artistic languages.
Roshenka also trains for her Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams at the Deanna School of Dancing and her ABRSM piano performance diploma at Soul Sounds Academy. It is her collective experiences, know-how and interests that she has poured into her work, to build a truly unique series with local roots, global wings and universal appeal. Through Adventure Don, Roshenka hopes to inspire children around the world to ‘read on’, as she strives to support both the national and international literacy, learning, reading, environmental and healthy living educational needs of the hour.
Roshenka addressed the VIP young readers gathered to celebrate the launch: Dinaren, Joses, Saathvik, Eveen, Tashiyana, Aara, Anah, Pia, Aadam, Kyla, Oshean, Archunan, Ariano, Asensio, Khalil, Maryam, Zane, Sayuru, Kyla, Nathan, Jayden, Eva, Bruce, Aidan, Aathithan and Ahilan. She extended her gratitude to her husband and son, her family, friends, well-wishers, special guest speaker Iromi Weerasinghe and Rajiv Gunasena for his bold vision and unwavering support, and belief that we can create high-quality stories right here in Sri Lanka-for the young readers of our island, as well those all around the world. The event was compeered by Chathura De Silva, and further supported by the M.D. Gunasena team.
Roshenka’s life has always been focused on family, friendship, faith, a commitment to learning and living in service. She concluded the launch by telling the young readers present that this story was theirs, and her hope was that it would inspire them to keep reading, shining, learning and reaching for the stars.
Adventure Don and the Sea Turtle Rescue is now available at M.D. Gunasena bookshops and it can also be ordered online at mdgunasena.com. Additional titles in the series are planned, including Adventure Don and the Elephant Escapade. Readers and global distributors can find out more at www.roshenkajayamaha.com