Comic Books are the new Textbooks

Maneka Warangi has transformed school textbooks into board games and comic books. The Co-founder of Ocean Theory Private Limited and a psychology lecturer at Metropolitan University is on a mission to transform how children in Sri Lanka learn.

Based in Kadawatha, Gampaha, Maneka’s journey is rooted in a deep understanding of the limitations of traditional education in Sri Lanka, where children are often confined to the knowledge found in textbooks. Maneka recognized a critical need for more engaging, interactive educational tools that go beyond rote learning and foster a deeper understanding of Sri Lankan culture, history, and the natural world.

In 2022, Maneka launched Ocean Theory with a clear purpose: to create educational board games and comics that would not only entertain children but also educate them about Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

One of her first products, a comic book designed to teach children about Sri Lankan history through engaging stories and characters, was met with overwhelming success. The initial print run sold out quickly, prompting a second edition currently in production. Parents have praised the comic for sparking their children’s interest in history, with one mother sharing how her six-year-old son talks about the characters daily and even started reading another book featuring similar themes.

Ocean Theory’s board games, designed by Maneka, have gained popularity for their educational value and have brought in consistent revenue through online sales. With an income of approximately a quarter of a million rupees each month, Maneka is now looking to scale her business and double revenue by expanding the product line to include two new educational card games. She also plans to expand beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. She sees a growing market among Sri Lankan families living abroad yearning to teach their children about their cultural roots.