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Book Fair lasts till September 27:
Bring on the books!
Dhiluckshini CANAGASABEY
If you are a book lover, the event you have been waiting for is here.
The Colombo International Book Fair will open to you till September 27.
Organized as the 11th consecutive Fair by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers'
Association in cooperation with the Booksellers and Importers
Association of Ceylon and the All Ceylon Booksellers Association, the
Fair is being held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre. The
Book Fair was ceremoniously opened on September 19 with the
participation of distinguished guests.
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Teenagers having a look at the books. Picture by Saliya
Rupasinghe |
The chief guest was Minister of Education Susil Premjayantha and the
guest of honour was Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam. Among the distinguished
gathering it was important to note the presence of authors recommended
for the 'Swarna Pusthaka Award 2008' Ven. Batuwangala Rahula Thera,
Prof. Chandrasiri Palliyaguru, Sunethra Rajakarunanayake, Karunadasa
Suriyaarachchi and Kathleen Jayawardena.
The welcome address was delivered by the President of the Sri Lanka
Book Publishers' Association, Ariyadasa Weeraman. He spoke about the
history of the association and about how the association initially had
merely 15 members which by now has increased to nearly 130. He did not
forget to make aspecial mention of the sponsors who were instrumental in
making this event a success.
The highlight of the morning was the presenting of educational
scholarships and the important feature was that giving away the
scholarships to children of war heroes this year by the Association who
have sacrificed life and limb for the country. The recipients were
Sanduni Nisansala (Thalathuoya Kanishta Vidyalaya), Ayeshmi Kaushalya
Herath (Agonu Adyana Vidyalaya), Eranda Nadeeshan (Ethulathmudali
Kanishta Vidyalaya), Kumal Maduranga (Vedamulla Maha Vidyalaya) and
Shehani Nirasha(Saranathissa Kanishta Vidyalaya).
There were cash prizes presented to the students who obtained best
results in the scholarship, G.C.E Ordinary Level and Advanced Level
Examinations: B.S. Anjana Senadeera(Grade 5-Lindsay Baalika MV), A.D.
Mahesha Supipi (Grade 5- Devi Baalika MV), Mihidinee Amasha Hapuarachchi
(Grade 5- Sirimavo Bandaranaike MV), Dulithe Jayal Senerath Yapa (Ordinaty
Level- Ananda College), Kaveen Weerasinghe (A/L- Biology- Rayal
College), A.M. Tharindu Salinda Bandara Adikari (A/L/-Maths- Bandarawela
Central College), Kasun Gunawardene (A/L-Commerce- Ibbagamuva MV) and
Fahima (A/L- Arts- Kinniya National School). The prizes were given away
by the Education Minister and CEO of Sampath Bank Aravinda Perera..
The morning was also witnessed another presentation. A book was
published under the sponsorship of Sampath Bank.
Last year Book Fair a feature had been organised for visitors namely
Katapath Pawura. |
