Colombo International Book Fair opens on Sept. 10

THE Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF), Sri Lanka's most patronised public exhibition, will be held at the BMICH from September 10 to 18 with a record 382 stalls, and a host of special events and features. Over 30 foreign and 165 local exhibitors have confirmed participation.

In Colombo this week, five leading book publishers/booksellers formally signed contracts to sponsor the CIBF 2005, with Vijitha Yapa Bookshop taking on the mantle of Principal Sponsor.

Sarasavi Bookshop, Samayawardhana Bookshop, Godage & Brothers and Jeya Book Centre took co-sponsorship while Sampath Bank was designated Official banker and Rupavahini the electronic media sponsor.

"The growth of the Colombo International Book Fair year-on-year is phenomenal," said Ranjith Samaranayake, Managing Director of Samaranayake, Publishers and Chairman of the Organising Committee.

"It is an event that any international convention organiser would be proud to be associated with and provides the reading public in Sri Lanka with a world class exhibition of titles and unbeatable prices."

All leading local publishers of Sinhala and Tamil books have also taken stalls at the Fair.

The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Nirupama Rao will be the Chief Guest at the opening on September 10. Dr. Tara De Mel, Secretary to the Ministry of Education and eminent author Cyril C. Perera will be guests of honour.