For international publishers, the SAIBF fellowship offers a low-barrier entry point into a market that bridges South Asian vernacular publishing with global English-language trade.
What’s On Offer
The 3rd South Asia International Book Fair (SAIBF) 2026 – Sri Lanka Edition – is now accepting applications for its Publisher Fellowship Programme. Five publishers from anywhere in the world will be selected for this fully supported residency in Colombo.
The fellowship is part of a broader regional initiative to position South Asia as a hub for rights exchange and literary trade.
SAIBF 2026 runs under the theme “Where South Asia’s Stories Meet the World” and is co-organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association, the national body that also stages the long-running Colombo International Book Fair (CIBF) – Sri Lanka’s largest book exhibition, now entering its 27th year.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
* Complimentary accommodation throughout the programme
* Curated B2B meetings with Sri Lankan and selected South Asian publishers
* Access to the official cultural programme
* Exclusive networking and business development opportunities across the fair
Dates and Venue
When: 25–30 September 2026
Where: BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), Sapphire Banquet Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka
BMICH is Colombo’s premier convention venue and the established home of CIBF, which in 2025 hosted 450 booths across 12 halls with 70 leading local publishers and 32 international houses.
The South Asia International Book Fair leverages this infrastructure while adding a dedicated international rights and fellowship layer.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to publishers worldwide – no regional restrictions. It is designed for professionals seeking to build rights partnerships, explore South Asian markets, and develop co-publication opportunities.
The model resembles established Asian fair fellowships such as those run by the Seoul International Book Fair and the Busan International Children’s Book Fair, which similarly combine curated matchmaking with cultural immersion.
Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
Applications are now open. Organisers anticipate a competitive field and advise early submission.
The View From The Beach
Sri Lanka’s publishing sector has demonstrated notable resilience. CIBF 2025 marked the fair’s 26th edition with significant international participation, and the country is increasingly positioning itself as a South Asian literary hub – evidenced further by the forthcoming Colombo International Children’s Book Fair & Literary Festival.
For international publishers, the SAIBF fellowship offers a low-barrier entry point into a market that bridges South Asian vernacular publishing with global English-language trade.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
