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The 26th edition of the Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) commenced yesterday (September 27) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), drawing readers, writers, publishers, and book enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The inaugural ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and featured the release of a special commemorative postage stamp to mark this year’s milestone event.
Recognized as South Asia’s largest literary festival, the Colombo International Book Fair will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until October 6, offering ten days of literary celebration, cultural exchange, and opportunities to discover new reading trends.
This year’s fair hosts nearly 500 stalls, featuring a wide range of publications from both local and international publishers. Visitors will have access to novels, educational resources, research materials, children’s books, and digital publications, making the fair a vibrant hub for diverse literary tastes.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association (SLBPA), the fair has grown into one of the most anticipated annual events in Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar. Established in 1985 under the leadership of veteran writer Dr. K. Jayathilake, the SLBPA began with just 27 members and now boasts more than 150, while also holding membership in the Asia Pacific Publishers Association (APPA) and the International Publishers Association (IPA).
The Colombo International Book Fair was originally launched with the mission of reviving Sri Lanka’s reading culture at a time when digital media was drawing audiences away from traditional books. Over the years, it has succeeded in not only sustaining that vision but also positioning Colombo as a regional hub for the literary world.
As the event unfolds over the coming days, thousands of readers and knowledge-seekers are expected to flock to BMICH, reaffirming the timeless value of books in shaping minds and strengthening culture.
