By W.G.T.Fernando

September is a special month for book lovers. It is the time where the biggest book fair happens and people flock to grab their listed books at bargain prices. It was pleasing to see tens and thousands of people from all over the island come to gain knowledge.

Over 400 stalls were on display at both the BMICH premises and Sirimavo exhibition halls.

The special edition diGIT CD was also on sale and a large number of school children were able to grab a copy.

In addition to the books on display, one stall was of particular interest to the large crowds that came for the exhibition. It was to see the first Multi Touch table being displayed for the first time and for Sri Lankans to have a first experience of using a Multi Touch surface computer.

Children experience a Multi Touch surface computer created by GTS

The Multi Touch table was on display right throughout the 9 days and feedback was taken from the book lovers so that the devicecould be further improved before releasing it to the market. The device was like a magnet to kids and they were reluctant to leave the device
a book in a new way using new technologies.

The device was also well received by the parents and were thrilled at the prospect of seeing such a device in the market in the nearfuture. The device is a creation of GTS with software engineer Lahiru doing the bulk of the hard work on the device.

Below are some snaps taken during the event.

Lahiru (pictured right) demonstrate the features of the MT table to book lovers (software engineers from IFS)

Daya Rohana Athkorala (pictured right) writing his feedback after trying out the MT Table

Feedback by Daya Rohana Athukorala

Dr Priyanga de Zoysa and his two children try out the MT Table

Fellow contributor of diGIT Thameera (pictured left) had a good look at the MT table

Fellow contributor of diGIT Aslam (pictured right) enjoyed trying out the MT table

A random feedback page from the large number of feedbacks left for the MT table