SLBPA braves all odds to launch Colombo International Book Fair 2025

The Colombo International Book Fair 2025 will be held at the BMICH from September 27 to October 6th, from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm daily. The event is once again expected to draw large crowds comprising eager readers. However, with the newly imposed 18% VAT, this year’s book fair raises an important question: will the joy of buying a book remain within reach of everyone’s purse?

The fair is organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association (SLBPA). Book prices have risen due to the 18% VAT, which is in addition to the 15% VAT already imposed on other materials. “Despite the decrease in the material cost, due to the 18% VAT, it is difficult to lower the price of the books,” said Lasitha Raveen Umagiliya, Secretary of SLBPA. The above details were mentioned at a press conference conducted by the SLBPA at their premises

Dinesh Kulatunga, the President of SLBPA, addresses the gathering at a press conference held in connection with the Colombo International Book Fair 2025 (Pictures by Kushan Pathiraja)

Moreover, he explained that there is a tax of 20.5%, together with the 2.5% of assessing tax. This concludes one-fifth of the price of the book. “But there are bargain stalls, which will have more discounts,” he said.
“We have decided to sign a public petition requesting a decrease in the 18% VAT at the BMICH premises. We cordially invite all the readers to come and support us,” he announced. He also explained that there are programs planned to motivate the younger generation to read. “In collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), our Association, Room to Read organization (non-governmental organization) and the University of Moratuwa (UOM), a National Conference on Children’s Books has been created. We are going to launch the guidebook on September 27 at 10.30 am at the BMICH premises,” he said. Samantha Indeewara Samarasinghe, Director of the Colombo International Book Exhibition Committee and former President of the SLBPA, recalled the beginnings of the fair. Samarasinghe stated that in 1999, the Colombo Book Fair began at the Art Gallery in Colombo as a book fair. In 2001, it was brought to the BMICH premises. This book fair consists of author-reader meetings. “The Colombo International Book Fair, now, is recognized as the largest literary event in South Asia,” explained Samarasinghe. 
He added that the book fair cannot be covered in a day, as some readers would come continuously for several days to the BMICH premises. “On the 1st of October, celebrating the National Children’s Day & International Elders’ Day, there are different programs arranged at the premises,” explained Samarasinghe. Moreover, he added that first aid, sanitary and transport facilities (towards Townhall, Dematagoda, Galle Road – Bambalapitiya, and other routes) will be further arranged. He explained that more than 500 stalls will be put up at the book fair.
“The Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association (SLBPA) has existed for 35 years and this is the 26th year it is being involved with Colombo International Book Fair,” explained SLBPA President Dinesh Kulatunga. He said that due to digitalization, there is a decrease in readers. In contrast, there is an increase in the digital downloads of books. Kulatunga added that if the world is evolving through digitalization, as publishers, they should adhere to necessary measures in the future to evolve with digitalization.

The Colombo International Book Fair Committee continues to take charge of organizing the event, ensuring that it remains not only a marketplace, but also a space for cultural exchange and promotion of reading (File photo)

The SLBPA announced at a recent press conference that The Colombo  International Book Fair 2025 will be held at the BMICH from September 27  to October 6th. Present at the press conference from left: Lasitha  Raveen Umagiliya, Secretary of SLBPA, Samantha Indeewara Samarasinghe,  Director of the Colombo International Book Exhibition Committee and  former President of the SLBPA, Dinesh Kulatunga, the President of SLBPA  and Mr. Chamin Wijerathne, Treasurer of SLBPA

He further stated that digital publishing is a concept that is already functioning in foreign countries, and that the SLBPA is willing to establish the idea in Sri Lanka as well. “We are short of papers and other necessities. We face a lot of challenges when publishing a book. Despite the challenges, we are still pursuing in this field,” explained Kulatunga.
Kulatunga mentioned that the cash collected from the Rs.20 ticket issued at the entrance is being used by the SLBPA to offer scholarships for children in need. The issuing of funds starts from grade 04/05, but extends to students pursuing their higher studies. He underscored that there are children who have already benefited from this charity work.
The Colombo International Book Fair Committee continues to take charge of organizing the event, ensuring that it remains not only a marketplace, but also a space for cultural exchange and promotion of reading.
Special Awards  by SLBPA
The ‘Swarnapusthaka Book Awards’ is presented by the Association to promote Sinhala fiction. According to Kulathunga, the 19th Swarnapusthaka Book Awards were held on September 13. The award went to Chadrarathna Bandara for his book Piyasara Samaya. The award carried prize money worth Rs.750,000, while shortlisted candidates received Rs.100,000 each.
The ‘Rajitha Pusthaka Award’ recognises works in the categories of short story, poetry, and young adult novels. Kulathunga informed that, beginning in 2026, a new category for children’s literature will also be introduced. The 2025 award ceremony was held on September 6.
The ‘Swarna Thilina Award’ was presented to veteran writers, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime honour. He confirmed that this year’s recipients were Upali Wanigasuriya and Edward Mallawarachchi. “We hope that these awards will help the writers to be motivated when pursuing their creations,” said Kulathunga.
Beyond the awards, the SLBPA has also worked to strengthen the reading culture by establishing several libraries across the island, including Kannimahara K. Jayathilaka Library, Thanthirimale Wimalagnana Library, and Hiniduma Mallika Vidyalaya Library. In addition, the Association has donated books to 20 schools in the Southern Province and 40 schools in the North Central Province. Kulathunga noted that this initiative is a collaborative effort, carried out with the support of the Provincial Education Departments and the MOE.

• There are different programmes arranged at the premises on October 1 to celebrate National Children’s Day & International Elders’ Day
• Digital publishing is a concept already functioning in foreign countries, and SLBPA is willing to establish the idea in Sri Lanka