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The Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) is one of the most anticipated annual events in Sri Lanka. Organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association, there are approximately 200-300 local and international stalls at the venue, ranging from books, stationery, and learning aids. It’s a definite crowd-puller, where you’d find senior citizens, school children, clergy, and many more people packed into the BMICH.
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Traffic on Bauddhaloka Mawatha on a Sunday morning means it’s CIBF at BMICH. Otherwise, you could hardly notice a vehicle here at this time of the day.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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It’s not just books, there’s art as well – you can get your portrait done.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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There are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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Despite the intense heat, large crowds continue to flock in.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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Monks share a laugh while browsing through the bookshelf in one of the stalls.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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You can also meet some of the publishers, as they’re often in their stalls.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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The cashiers are having a field day at CIBF as they’re constantly kept on their toes. There are literally hundreds of customers each day.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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Apart from physical books, there are ebooks, online tutorials, and educational games for children showcased as well.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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Amidst school, children attend the fair to go through the collection of books and get everything they need.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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Priced at Rs. 20, the tickets are very affordable. You also get a cloth bag so you can avoid using Polythene.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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There are plenty of food & drink options available to keep you hydrated and beat the heat. Popsicles and bowls of Maggi are the most popular options.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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The book fair’s one of the best places to find books in all three languages under one roof.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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The cloth bags come are handy when leaving the book fair with all your purchases. People were encouraged and advised to bring their own bags as well.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed