Colombo International Book Fair

The Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) is one of the most anticipated events on Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar. Held annually at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), this prestigious book fair attracts thousands of bibliophiles, students, educators, and literary enthusiasts from all over the country and beyond. With a wide array of books in multiple languages, engaging events, and a vibrant atmosphere, the book fair has grown to become a key cultural event that highlights the love for reading and learning in Sri Lanka.

If you’re a tourist visiting Colombo during the book fair season, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, a history buff, or simply curious about local literature, the Colombo International Book Fair offers a treasure trove of literary delights.

Distance and Accessibility from Colombo

The BMICH, where the book fair is held, is centrally located in Colombo 07, making it easily accessible from different parts of the city. Here’s a quick look at travel options to get there:

• From Colombo City Center: The BMICH is located just 4-5 kilometers (2.5 to 3 miles) from Colombo's central areas, such as Fort or Pettah. You can reach the venue in 10-15 minutes by car, tuk-tuk, or taxi, depending on the traffic.
• From Bandaranaike International Airport: If you’re flying into Bandaranaike International Airport, the BMICH is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) away. The drive to the city takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
• From Galle Face Green: One of Colombo’s most famous landmarks, Galle Face Green, is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the BMICH. You can enjoy a scenic drive past Colombo’s urban landscapes en route to the book fair.

Ground-Level Experience: What to Expect at the Colombo International Book Fair

The Colombo International Book Fair is an event that spans over nine days, typically taking place in September. The fair attracts a diverse crowd of readers, authors, publishers, and booksellers, creating an electrifying literary atmosphere. For tourists, it’s not just an opportunity to buy books but also to immerse yourself in the literary culture of Sri Lanka.

Vast Selection of Books

The book fair offers an extensive selection of books from both local and international publishers. As you walk through the various stalls and pavilions, you’ll find books in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for classic literature, academic textbooks, children’s books, self-help, poetry, or spiritual works, the CIBF has it all.

One of the highlights for many visitors is the opportunity to explore Sri Lankan literature, which offers a unique perspective on the island’s history, culture, and identity. For foreign visitors, picking up a few translated works by renowned Sri Lankan authors is a fantastic way to learn more about the country’s rich literary heritage.

Author Meet-and-Greets and Book Signings

The Colombo International Book Fair often features book launches, author meet-and-greets, and book signings, providing visitors with the chance to engage directly with writers. Many local authors, poets, and literary figures attend the event to promote their works and interact with their readers. For tourists, this is an incredible opportunity to meet and speak with Sri Lankan authors, get personalized signed copies of their books, and gain insights into the country’s contemporary literary scene.

Discounts and Special Offers

One of the key attractions of the book fair is the availability of discounted books. Many of the stalls offer significant discounts on both local and international titles, making it a great place to purchase books at a fraction of their usual price. Visitors can often find books priced lower than usual, especially for bulk purchases, making it an excellent opportunity to stock up on literature. Additionally, there are exclusive book bundles and special offers that are available only during the fair.

Cultural Performances and Events

The Colombo International Book Fair is more than just about books—it’s a cultural event that features performances, art exhibitions, and lectures. Throughout the fair, you can attend book launches, listen to talks by authors, and participate in literary discussions. There are also musical and theatrical performances that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, adding an artistic flair to the overall experience.

For tourists, these events provide an opportunity to engage with the local art scene and understand the intersection between literature, art, and performance in Sri Lanka.

Food Stalls and Refreshments

Exploring the vast collection of books can be an exhausting but rewarding experience. Thankfully, the book fair is also home to a variety of food stalls offering Sri Lankan street food and snacks. As you take a break from browsing, you can sample local delicacies such as kottu roti, hoppers, wade, and short eats. There are also stalls offering cool drinks, coffee, and ice cream to keep you refreshed during your visit.

For tourists, this is an excellent chance to savor local flavors while enjoying the relaxed ambiance of the fair. The combination of books and food creates a perfect day out for visitors of all ages.

Popular Itineraries for the Colombo International Book Fair

To make the most of your visit to the Colombo International Book Fair, here are a few suggested itineraries that incorporate both literary and cultural experiences.

Morning Itinerary: Start Your Day with a Literary Exploration

• 10:00 AM: Begin your day at the book fair by exploring the various stalls. Start with the international publishers to browse the latest titles from around the world. If you’re looking for academic books or specialty publications, the morning is the best time to avoid the larger crowds.
• 11:30 AM: Visit the Sri Lankan publishers section to discover the works of local authors. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some translations of classic Sri Lankan literature, as well as contemporary fiction and poetry.

Afternoon Itinerary: Cultural Immersion and Food

• 1:00 PM: Take a break from the books and grab lunch at one of the food stalls offering Sri Lankan street food. Enjoy some kottu, a favorite among locals, or a plate of rice and curry while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the fair.
• 2:00 PM: Attend one of the many cultural performances or author talks scheduled throughout the day. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Sri Lanka’s literary scene or witness a traditional dance or music performance.
• 3:30 PM: After the performance, head back to the stalls to continue your literary exploration. Many publishers offer afternoon discounts, so this is a great time to grab a bargain or two.

Evening Itinerary: Wind Down with Art and Literature

• 5:00 PM: As the day winds down, make your way to the art exhibition area, where you can view works by local artists. Many of these exhibits are themed around literature and feature illustrations, paintings, and sculptures inspired by books and authors.
• 6:30 PM: End your day by attending a book launch or reading session by a Sri Lankan author. These evening events often offer an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind some of the country’s most beloved books.

Sea Level and Geographical Details

Colombo, where the book fair is held, is located at approximately 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level. The city is a bustling urban center situated on Sri Lanka’s western coast, with a tropical climate and proximity to the Indian Ocean. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is centrally located in Colombo 07 and is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to the appeal of the venue.

The book fair itself is held in the BMICH’s extensive exhibition grounds, which are well-ventilated and spacious, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the fair’s offerings despite Colombo’s warm weather.

What to Do at the Colombo International Book Fair

Apart from the obvious joy of browsing through thousands of books, here are a few additional activities to make the most of your time at the fair:

• Attend a Workshop: Various writing workshops and seminars are conducted during the fair, providing an opportunity for aspiring writers to learn from established authors and publishers.
• Buy Souvenirs: Beyond books, the fair features stalls selling stationery, art supplies, and crafts. These make for excellent souvenirs, particularly if you’re looking for something unique and locally made.
• Participate in Competitions: The fair often hosts reading competitions or quizzes for children and adults. Even as a tourist, you can join in the fun and test your knowledge of literature.
• Take Photos: The beautifully decorated pavilions and the artistic installations at the fair make for fantastic photo opportunities. Don’t forget to capture the vibrant atmosphere of Colombo’s literary festival.