Amidst a large number of international and local book publishers the Colombo International Book Exhibition-2014 was declared open by Hon. Mahinda Rajapakse at BMICH last week. This was Sri Lanka’s largest book fair and was organized by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association (SLBPA) Book publishers from many countries including India, China and the United States participated at the fair. Over one million avid book fans gathered at the event and special discounts were given to school children, university students and schools to buy books, magazines and stationery. Entrance for school children and veterans were free.

The SLBPA provides financial assistance for less privileged school children and university students under the “Daru Diriya Scholarship Program” launched with funds received from the sale of tickets at the Book Exhibition. This year seven students received scholarships from President Rajapaksa at the inauguration ceremony.