Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Convention center in Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is a convention center in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It features a main hall with over 1,500 square meters (16,000 sq ft) of floor space, an adjacent exhibition center, a library, a bank, and a museum, all set within a large compound in the Cinnamon Gardens area.
Built between 1970 and 1973 as a gift from China, the hall honors Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. It was opened on May 17, 1973, and has since hosted major events like the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in 1976 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2013.
The main entrance hall displays a white marble bust of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, a gift from Chinese artists, and a large oil painting behind the stage depicts Sri Lanka's beauty. These artworks give the space a ceremonial feel, often seen during convocations and exhibitions.
The venue is in the Cinnamon Gardens area, with clear signs and wide paths for easy navigation. Visitors should carry ID for security checks and wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are large and walking is required between buildings.
The building has an eight-sided shape that reflects Sri Lankan national features, and its construction was completed ahead of schedule in April 1973. A museum inside holds personal artifacts of both S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and Sirima Bandaranaike, offering a glimpse into their lives.
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