BMICH loses Rs.500 m, awaits go-ahead for exhibitions

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic the conduct of exhibitions is likely to come under scrutiny by Health Ministry officials next week as the BMICH intends on resuming exhibitions by mid- August.

BMICH Director General Sunil Dissanayake told the Business Times on Wednesday that they hope to recommence exhibitions by mid August for which approvals are due from the Health Services Director General next week.

He noted that currently they are receiving bookings for exhibitions to be held over the weekends but could not go ahead as yet.

He pointed out that due to the pandemic they had lost revenue to the tune of Rs.500 million in terms of bookings for both conferences and exhibitions from mid- March to December this year. They had experienced about 10 per cent cancellations while some others opted to postpone their bookings for a later date.

In the meantime, conference halls are receiving bookings since June 23 when the first meeting took place after the lockdown, Mr. Dissanayake said.

He pointed out that 50 per cent of hall capacity is allowed to participate at conferences held at their venues in line with the health guidelines.

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