International Book Fair ends today

"I've travelled the world twice over, met the famous; saints and sinners, poets and artists, kings and queens, old stars and hopeful beginners, I've been where no-one's been before, learned secrets from writers and cooks. All this, through the wonderful world of books."(Anonymous).

Though the origin of these words is unknown, the truth in it is not unknown.

As the Colombo International Book Fair 2006 draws to a close today, the thirst for travel, exploration and knowledge were not the only evident interests of the thousands of people who flocked to the BMICH, but a reflection of the yearning we Sri Lankans have, to learn, to know and to grow.

The 8th Colombo International Book Fair, which got underway on September 16, organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association and co-organised by the BMICH has been a resounding success drawing record crowds.

"This year the Book Fair comes with many more features than ever before and marks a significant moment in the history of the event," President of SLBPA Ranjith Samaranayake said. He went on to explain that many literacy related events and cultural items are taking place this year and several projects which will commence throughout the year begin with the Book Fair.

Over 500 new books were released during the Book Fair and literary discussions on various topics were also held.

Foreign participationhas also reached new heights.

The Colombo International Book Fair's contribution to the growth of the membership of the SLBPA in particular and the public in general spans various sectors. It has helped to cultivate the reading habit and expand the market for books substantially. It has brought about an upsurge in the industry and assisted in the emergence of quality publications that have even reached the international market, he said.

Amongst the many developments for 2006 is the production of a comprehensive catalogue titled Books in Print in Sri Lanka, which is the first of its kind and fulfils a long felt need. A website containing all information is also to be launched facilitating access to Sri Lankan books on a global scale.

The theme for this year's book fair is 'Ignite Young Minds’. Having first started with 38 stalls at the Art Gallery in 1999, the Book Fair has ballooned into a huge affair, this year with almost 450 stalls.'

Member of the Working Committee of the Colombo International Book Fair, Siri Almeida said, "Over the years we saw the need for more space.

The opening of the new wing has helped immensely but yet this year we have again been running short of space." This is evident with stalls and tents set up in gardens, balconies and even verandahs of the BMICH.

Bargains are a promise at the Book Fair with every stall having a minimum of 20% discount on both foreign and local publications with some giving bigger discounts.

"Last year the Ministry of Education effected a policy that all library books be purchased here and this continues this year too,” Mr. Almeida explained.

"As an association that understands our responsibility to the nation, we take pleasure in announcing the Darudiriya Scholarship Trust Fund which is being launched at the Book Fair. This aims to identify talented students with financial difficulties and help them not only financially but with advice and guidance too,' Mr. Samaranayake said.