First Day At The Book Fair – #CIBF2015.

The Colombo International Book Fair kicked off today, with literally hundreds of people melting out in a long-winded queue on an extremely sunny weekday morning. News has it that there's a 156 local and 36 foreign exhibitors out there this year. Our event page gives you more details, but we're going to give you a how-the-first-day-went write-up over here as well.

It was supposed to open up to the public at nine, but there seems to have been a glitch in the organization because it was way past ten before they admitted people inside. After this minor hiccup, we were in. The crowds (inside) weren't as bad as I initially thought they would be, but it was surprisingly full for a work and school morning.

The set-up was pretty much the same as it's been over the last two years, and barely anything has changed. The majority of English bookstalls (Vijitha Yapa, Makeen's, Jeya) were housed in Hall A, while most of the Sinhala publications were in the adjacent Hall B at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre. Sarasavi had a couple of huge stalls of their own, which you can't really miss.

The treasure trove of course are the bargain bookstores, and that's at Hall P (if you're standing with your back to the Sirimavo hall, walk right and then take a right turn again. It's opposite Hall K). You'd get some good deals here, and we saw tons of obscure mysteries, romances, crimes and thrillers here. Most of what they had were magazines though, so if you're into Reader's Digest, you'd want to check this out.

However, if you're looking for a vast array of new books (and by that, I mean something else other than what you'd seen last year) you could very well be disappointed as yours truly was. I found the selection to be a bit crippling, and there wasn't many to choose from — Fifty Shades of Grey was still given prominence (really? REALLY?) in some stores — and there were a ton of Coehlos, Wodehouse, GRRMs, Mills and Boon, Picoults, and well, you get the idea. 

On the other hand, if you're a younger reader you're going to love this coz there seems to be a ton of novels for you guys. Add to that, I know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but dang, there are some really cool covers out there.

While you're at it, drop into the Without Border's stall. This volunteering organization has an interesting initiative — they're crowd-writing a book, which will then be auctioned off, the proceeds which will go to funding a child. If you want to know more about this, read up on Pen a Life, and help out by literally writing out the story of a child you could help.

So there you have it folks, the #CIBF2015. As always, you get a 20% discount in almost all the stores (if not all), and if you're a student or an undergraduate (or from the media) you get in free. Tickets are priced at twenty bucks, and you can hang around from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Pizza Hut’s Newest Craving Fix: Melts Single

Pizza cravings but not in the mood for a whole one? Let me introduce the

Highlights Kamu

Colombo’s best kept secrets – Date night spots 2025

Colombo might be known for its trendy cafes and fancy rooftop spots, but who says

Kamu Yamu Guide

Where Sunday Carvings Meet Sophistication – Kings Steak Bar’s Famous Brunch Buffet

By Vimasha Weerawansha  Nestled in the heart of Colombo, Kings Steak Bar by The Kingsbury

Highlights Kamu

A Luxurious Seafood Experience at Fat Crab Colombo

Fat Crab Colombo offers a wonderful dining experience that combines luxury, live music, and an

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Radisson Colombo’s Indian Night – Review

By Sahasni Gamage We recently had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful Indian Night at

Kamu Yamu Guide

Introducing Burger King’s New Premium Burger Range

by Jordain de Mel Burger King's Premium Range offers some of the most flavorful gourmet

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Hospitality Veteran Nandana Wirasinha as General Manager

The Kingsbury is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nandana Wirasinha as its new

Trending

Mother’s Day to Remember at The Kingsbury

This Mother’s Day, The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites families to honour one of the most important

Trending

Glamour and Elegance Illuminate Songkran Celebration at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, the epitome of luxury and refined hospitality, proudly hosted a spectacular two-day

Trending

The Jewel in Colombo’s skyline turns one

ITC Ratnadipa completes one successful year in Sri Lanka ITC Ratnadipa marks its first anniversary

Trending

Ministry of Crab opens in Melbourne

Sri Lanka’s award-winning crab restaurant, Ministry of Crab founded by chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa together with

Trending

Radisson Blu Resort Galle Welcomes Kedar Dighe as New General Manager

Radisson Blu Resort Galle is pleased to announce the appointment of Kedar Dighe as its

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide

Colombo’s best kept secrets – Date night spots 2025

Colombo might be known for its trendy cafes and fancy rooftop spots, but who says

Kamu Yamu Guide

A Luxurious Seafood Experience at Fat Crab Colombo

Fat Crab Colombo offers a wonderful dining experience that combines luxury, live music, and an

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Radisson Colombo’s Indian Night – Review

By Sahasni Gamage We recently had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful Indian Night at

Kamu Yamu Guide

Iftar Deals for Great Value in 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, Iftar doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious! Whether you’re craving

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide