Aisha Nazim
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.
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
It’s not just books, there’s art as well – you can get your portrait done.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
There are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
Despite the intense heat, large crowds continue to flock in.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
Monks share a laugh while browsing through the bookshelf in one of the stalls.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
You can also meet some of the publishers, as they’re often in their stalls.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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
Apart from physical books, there are ebooks, online tutorials, and educational games for children showcased as well.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
Amidst school, children attend the fair to go through the collection of books and get everything they need.
Photo Credits: Roar Media / Nazly Ahmed
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
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
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
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
