Colombo International Book Fair opens on September 14
The 15th Colombo International Book Fair opens on Saturday, September 14 at 9.00 a.m. at the BMICH premises.
In addition to a record number of Sri Lankan publishers, 50 foreign publishers are also participating this year.
These range from Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Penguin, Scholastic, JAICO, Periplus (Singapore), Berlitz (Germany), IRH Press Japan and APA Insight, Harper Collins India and Asian Educational Services.
Nearly 500 new books published in Sri Lanka will be on sale in addition to over 100,000 titles on myriad subjects.
Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association President, VijithaYapa said that the aim of the book fair is to make publications available to a wide cross section of the Sri Lankan public.
“Sri Lanka has a literacy rate of 92 percent and we hope activities like this, where a lot of concentration is on educational books will enable the country to reach 100 percent literacy soon,” he said.
Prof Sunil Ariyaratne will be the Chief Guest at the opening of the book fair on Saturday, which is organized jointly by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association and the BMICH. A number of book publishers have sponsored the event. Sarasavi Publishers is the Chief Sponsor.
Special discounts are available to all book lovers who attend the fair. While students in uniform, young children and members of the armed services are admitted free, a nominal fee of Rs 10 is charged per day for others.
The funds collected from this are credited to a special scholarship fund, Daru Dari which is used to give scholarships to poor students who have gained entrance to universities.
In the evenings there are cultural events including dramas and music.
On Poya Day, September 19, there will be a special performance by Drum Maestro Ravi Bandu while on Sunday, September 15 Bandula Eheliyagoda will present a special musical event.
There is a special kiddies’ corner where reading events, magic shows, face paintings and literary events will be held.
The book fair is open from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. from September 14 to September 22.
The Education Department has also made funds available to 100 schools for students and staff to visit the fair and to purchase the latest books.
Category: Colombo, Colombo International Book Fair, Events, Local, Sri lanka news, Upcoming events
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