Financial Times

Awards for broadsheet and tabloid newspapers in “Print Awards 2006” will be two new categories introduced this year to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Association of Printers. There will be three awards for each category, the association said in a statement.

All leading newspaper companies will be invited to participate in this competition and in the special categories -- the Excellence Award, Distinction Award, and Merit Award. The criteria will require the submission of three copies each of the newspapers printed on three different days during a year.

The Sri Lanka Association of Printers, (SLAP) the oldest professional body representing the printing industry in Sri Lanka celebrates 50 years of service in printing, packaging and print media this year. The SLAP will kick-off its golden jubilee celebrations with three major events in August, 2006, bringing together connoisseurs of the printing industry from the Asia Pacific region to Sri Lanka, it said in a statement.

The Sri Lanka Association of Printers was set up in 1956 to protect and develop the printing industry in Sri Lanka under the socio-economic conditions during that transition period. In later years it switched to build goodwill and promote welfare amongst members. It also continuously engaged in various activities to develop the industry by organizing training programs and setting up a printing school, Sri Lanka Institute of Printing under the Government Press. The association is the apex body of Sri Lankan printers and has been engaged in resolving all the industry matters with relevant government authorities.

The celebrations will commence with “Print 2006,” (3rd-6th August) the annual print exhibition and bi-annual trade exhibition of print technology, equipment, accessories and ancillary services. This will be held in conjunction with the 8th Forum of Asia-Pacific Graphic Arts Technologies (FAGAT) (3rd-5th August). “Print Awards 2006” will be held on August 11 at the BMICH.

“Print 2006” (3rd-6th August) the annual print exhibition and bi-annual international trade exhibition of print technology, equipment, and accessories, will be held at the Exhibition and Convention Centre and attended by a 4,000 strong local printing fraternity as well as large contingent of regional printing establishments from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.

The 8th Forum of Asia Graphic Arts Technologies, (FAGAT) (3rd-5th August), is somewhat a glamorous event which is usually attended by about 250 delegates from the Asia Pacific region. The current membership of FAGAT includes Australia, China, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka. The theme for 2006 forum is “Get Connected’.