Getting hooked on books once again
The rains that came down did not deter book lovers from flooding the BMICH for the annual Colombo International Book Fair that ends today
With umbrellas in hand and books clutched close to their chests, it appeared that not even the pouring rain would deter book hunters from the Colombo International Book Fair that ends today after another successful ten-day run.
An eagerly anticipated event not just for Colombo but the entire island, the Colombo International Book Fair 2019 held from September 20-29 has drawn the crowds who went home with bags full of books, stationery and school supplies.
“To make available to the public the latest books printed and published not only in Sri Lanka but also overseas has been our mission. Here is the place not only to buy books but also a meeting place to catch up with friends, have discussions and bring the family along,” says Vijitha Yapa, President, Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association.
President of the Ceylon Booksellers Importers & Exporters Association Dinushi Abeywickrama shared that it was not just about selling books but other events that are tied in as well. “There are more writers coming up and we promote them as well. We have the main stage area where there are book launch events which are always packed and we give them prominence. We want them to come forward; when it comes to book publishing, it doesn’t have to be a mass-market book and it could be anyone to promote their writing.”
“This is an opportunity for people to come together and since you can’t go visiting many bookshops in one day, this is the opportunity for the customer to see all the booksellers in one premises,” says Immediate Past President of the Booksellers’ Association Miles Brohier perfectly encapsulating the appeal of the book fair.
Books are more affordable now, the sellers assert. “With the pricing structures we made universal to this part of the world, this concession has brought down prices by 30-70%,” Ms. Abeywickrama says.
From renowned names in the business to smaller booksellers, the Colombo Book Fair is an annual event for which booksellers prepare months beforehand in order to cater to the different reading audiences. It’s been 21 years and the Fair’s popularity and growth was little anticipated. “Being a bookseller I never thought it would build up to something like this in the beginning. I would wonder why they would spend time and money to come here to buy books but I am very, very happy that I was wrong,” shares General Manager of Vijitha Yapa Group Lakshman Siriwardhana. Many shipments of books were brought down from different countries in preparation for the fair, he said.
Creating a bridge over the flooded water, the Richard’s stall at the fair has become a safe haven. Once inside steaming cups of plain tea were served to people, with chairs occupied by tired book lovers. “What we really want to do is wholesale discount. If you are a mum, and have three kids at school, you don’t need to pay the same price for three. We give you a quantity discount. If you are buying stuff for Rs 2000, you save a decent amount and have money left that you can spend on something else for your kids,” says Angela Jayatissa, Business Development Agent of Richard Trading Company, explaining why people rush into their store.