Financial Times

A series of special events for children, such as practical sessions of writing, drawing, art competitions, reading as well as listening to readings by celebrity authors, will take place at the venue throughout the duration of the fair.

The annual Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF), Sri Lanka's biggest and most successful public exhibition and fair opens at the BMICH on September 16 with more than a million books on offer.

The CIBF's eighth successive fair will have a record 445 local and international stalls and will provide the setting for the launch of more than 500 new books, organisers said.

Titled "Ignite Young Minds", this year's fair will seek to promote reading among children. A series of special events for children such as practical sessions of writing, drawing, art competitions, reading as well as listening to readings by celebrity authors will take place at the venue throughout the duration of the fair.

CIBF 2006 will also be the launching pad for a scholarship trust for bright students whose education is interrupted by financial constraints. The scholarship fund will be launched under the aegis of the Book Publishers' Association to raise funds through collections at the Book Fair, donations from participating exhibitors and collection tills at some 1,500 book sale outlets after the fair is concluded.

In support of the CIBF 2006, eight main publishers/booksellers signed contracts recently to sponsor the event, with Sarasavi Bookshop taking the lead role as Principal Sponsor and Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, Godage Book Emporium, Jeya Book Center, Ariya Publishers, Pitraban, Vidarshana Publishers and Mal Piyali Publishers accepting co-sponsorship.

Sampath Bank will once again be the Official Banker for the event and Swarnavahini the electronic media sponsor.

"The Colombo International Book Fair bursts at the seams with exhibitors and visitors each year and has become one of the most awaited annual events of its kind," said Shan Rajaguru, Director of the CIBF. "The 2005 CIBF registered an increase of over 30 per cent in terms of visitorship, stall-strength and turnover, and this year's event is expected to be even bigger, grander and more patronised."

A highlight this year will be the launch of Sri Lanka's first 'Books in Print' catalogue containing a listing of books which are currently in print in Sri Lanka. About 120 local publishers are expected to contribute titles to this publication. "Such a catalogue has been in great demand for a long time," Ranjith Samaranayake, President of the Sri Lanka Book Publishers' Association said.

This catalogue will be distributed free to all schools and libraries and will also be available for purchase at a nominal price, he said.