A new chapter in Sri Lanka’s literary evolution was marked 65 years ago in the bustling streets of Maradana by a figure who stood quietly behind the pages. The name Dayawansa Jayakody has since been intertwined with Sri Lankan publishing, and while he rarely seeks the spotlight, at a time when he is being felicitated, it is a necessary moment to reflect on his legacy — with a personal touch from a much later generation.
Born on 29 August 1943, Jayakody’s schooling at Ananda College, Colombo, became a vital force in shaping his intellectual outlook and independent working style. At the age of 13, he published an essay titled Wesak Sarasilla in 1956 while still at School. His interest in literature began to blossom following the praise that he received from his teacher, Kamala Rajapakse. While students his age were navigating conventional academic paths, what set him apart was his instinct to act early on his publishing ambitions — imagining innovative concepts, audiences, and platforms.
On the 13th Independence Day celebrations of Ceylon — 4 February 1961 to be precise — Jayakody founded Helabima, regarded as Sri Lanka’s first student-centric newspaper. Priced at Cents 10, the paper was launched shortly after he completed his General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Examination. Helabima itself was a bold undertaking at a time when student expression had limited outlets. It was truly a newspaper created by students, for the students, offering a space to express ideas and showcase creative voices. It became a launchpad for many youngsters who would later emerge as stalwarts across diverse fields.
What I found particularly fascinating is that, in a global context, Helabima, founded in 1961, predates the Student magazine, established in 1968 by Richard Charles Nicholas Branson. Visionary ideas had already taken root in Sri Lanka — and with remarkable success. Jayakody once remarked that towards the end of his School years, he achieved the proud feat of purchasing his first car as a teenager — an Austin bearing the number plate EY 9527 — enabled by the success of his newspaper.
However, beyond being a testament to his business acumen, it is equally important to observe the influence that Helabima had on students of that era. At its peak, the newspaper sold as many as 20,000 copies. It provided a platform for numerous students to publish their first articles, marking their entry into national relevance. Among them were Sunil Ariyarathna, Sunanda Mahendra, Premakeerthi de Alwis, Siri Kahawala, and Sisira Senarathna — figures who went on to shape Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape. Some students even became agents, distributing the paper within schools. The student representative for Helabima at Nalanda College, Nimal Siripala de Silva, later went on to serve in Parliament for 35 years.
What began as a hobby driven by passion eventually evolved into Dayawansa Jayakody and Company, whose success ultimately replaced the lucrative furniture business owned by Jayakody’s father. This transition may be seen as destiny, but, it was also a natural progression, gradually establishing itself as a respected publishing house. The catalogue he built reflected both purpose and diversity. His contributions to preserving spiritual traditions — particularly through Buddhist literature — are especially noteworthy, while classical and contemporary works, including translations, helped expand the horizons of local literature.
At the height of his publishing career, Jayakody played a pivotal role in supporting hundreds of authors, regardless of their seniority, in bringing their literary works to print. For more than a decade, the bookshop located on S. Mahinda Himi Mawatha, Maradana, hosted a book launch every Tuesday, creating a vibrant hub for Sri Lanka’s writers and readers. Without such initiatives, many of these voices may never have been heard. It also illustrates how publishing, for him, was far more than a transaction — it was a commitment to giving permanence to literary work.
The legacy of Jayakody becomes historical in this context, and for me, deeply personal. As my late grandfather, Philip D. Karunarathna — who had been part of his circle since the days of Helabima and shared an enduring friendship with him — once said, it was Jayakody’s ability to recognise talent and provide direction with encouragement that defined his life’s success.
During the time that my grandfather directed stage plays and theatre productions — some of which went on to win State awards — it was Jayakody who took the lead in producing them. The theatre depends on individuals who invest not only financially but also with passion, especially in its formative stages. Having known him as “Dayawansa Seeya”, I had the privilege of visiting him frequently with my grandfather. These visits were not merely work-related, but a reflection of a lasting friendship. As a student of Ananda College myself, I cherished walking to the bookshop whenever there was a parcel of books ready for my grandfather, simply to experience the freshness of newly printed pages.
Often without seeking recognition, Jayakody’s involvement across multiple forms of art deserves high commendation. Redefining the role of an entrepreneurial publisher, he did not merely position himself as a businessman. By helping to cultivate a literary environment in which tradition and innovation coexisted, he stands undoubtedly as an architect of culture. Today, his influence can be seen across generations, including my own.
His story is a remarkable one. He began early, took bold risks, and built steadily, guided by strong ethical values. By creating pathways for others at a time when the road was often difficult, his achievements continue to resonate in the present and are not confined to the past. His legacy, inseparable from personal memory, reflects how enduring relationships have sustained literature and art through trust and shared purpose. To honour Jayakody, therefore, is not merely to recognise what he achieved, but to acknowledge what he made possible in the story of contemporary Sri Lankan literature.
The writer is a law graduate, currently reading for his Masters of Arts in International Relations. He is also a writer-director of stage plays, short films and poetry
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication