Visitors to the Colombo International Book Fair 2025 are now busy
securing their entry tickets directly through the PickMe app, a first
for the country’s largest literary gathering.
With just a few taps, PickMe’s Events feature lets users buy book fair
tickets in-app and check in with a quick QR scan at special counters
set up at the BMICH, offering a seamless gate-pass style entry without
having to queue up. To encourage adoption of the digital check-in
experience, PickMe users become eligible for 3 free tickets anytime
during the 10-day fair.
The Book Fair, running from September 27 to October 6, is one of
Colombo’s most jam-packed cultural events. Its location at the BMICH,
slightly away from regular public transport routes, often adds to the
inconvenience. PickMe’s expanded role this year is designed to ease
those bottlenecks and smooth the experience for both visitors and
vendors.
While PickMe continues as the official mobility partner, the company
is introducing several services that extend beyond rides. Special fare
discounts will be available for visitors, while vendors can benefit
from savings across PickMe’s Flash, Truck, Rentals, and Food platforms
— services that will become essential in managing heavy footfall and
logistics during the fair.
A highlight of this year’s partnership is PickMe Courier, offering
book lovers the option to ship bulk purchases straight from the fair
to their homes, island-wide.
A dedicated PickMe stall serves as the hub for these services, where
visitors can get assistance with bookings, and drop off their
purchases for delivery or register as drivers
“Our involvement with the Colombo International Book Fair is about
improving accessibility,” said Jiffry Zulfer, CEO of PickMe. “By
introducing services like PickMe Events and Courier, we are not only
helping readers get to the fair but also making sure their entire
experience, from entry to taking their books home, is more seamless
and convenient.”
To further improve access, PickMe has facilitated a free shuttle bus
service from Borella to BMICH, and in partnership with Vega
Innovations, visitors are also able to enjoy complimentary rides in
the locally designed Vega ETX — a nod to sustainable transport.