The Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) is currently taking place at BMICH, and despite a relatively quiet evening on opening day last Friday (16), the weekend saw bigger crowds streaming in to the annual book fair organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association.
While the CIBF will be held until 25 September, many have already taken to social media to share their hauls. Backpacks full of books may not be as common a sight as previous years, but it would be wrong to say that people weren’t there to fill their shelves. The familiar buzz of the book fair was present, which was a relief.
It must be noted, however, that the range of English fiction on offer was notably smaller this year, and that, as expected, prices have increased. Despite this, some excellent titles were spotted at various stalls.
In terms of Sinhala fiction, the “Swarna Pusthaka” shortlist was available, as well as a range of short stories, poetry, translations, and children’s books.
On Friday, the numbers weren’t excessive and Bauddhaloka Mawatha, where the BMICH is located, didn’t have the traffic typical of “book fair week”, but the weekend was a different story altogether. Some said they turned back since there was no parking on Saturday, while one visitor said the crowds were such that she was literally swept aside in some places.
Queues had formed outside some stalls, especially for stationery, and one visitor said: “I think it reflects a sign of the times that so many families seemed to be spending much of the money they have to buy stationery and books needed for their kids in school.”
He added that he and his wife did the same, and didn’t buy much for themselves, despite both being avid readers.
The usual food stalls as well as entertainment, and literary segments are part of the programme this year as well, and you are bound to meet your favourite Sri Lankan authors at the CIBF. Whether you are looking for novels, poetry, or stationery, it is thus a good idea to make your way to BMICH for the CIBF, which ends on 25 September.