schedule

Schedule - Bookaroo Colombo 2024

Click on the individual speaker picture to see details of their sessions. You can also use the drop-down on the left to select sessions.




Alicia Dongjoo Bang




Arefa Tehsin




Ashok Rajagopalan




Canato Jimo





Champa Saha




Chantal-Fleur Sandjon




Deepa Balsavar




Irushi Tennekoon





Janaki Galappatti




Lanka Perera and Udeshika Perera




Lavanya Karthik




Lavanya Prasad





Nadishka Aloysius




Nina Sabnani




Priya Kuriyan




Professor J. B. Disanayaka





Rukshani Weerasooriya Wijemanne




Savio Mascarenhas




Savio Mascarenhas and Shenuka Corea




Shehan Karunatilaka





Shenuka Corea


  •   10/05/2024
  • 09:00AM – 09:30AM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: All ages

Arty Treat

What if you could taste food - or explore art - through stories? Curious? Wait and see what comes out of Alicia’s bag.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 02:00 PM – 02:30 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

What on Earth is a Haegum?

Imagine a treasure trove of music from a country far far away. Discover Korea’s musical instruments. What’s more, you get to learn a few Korean folk songs too!


  •   11/05/2024
  • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Get, Set, Go!

Are you ready to play some traditional Korean games? Jump in.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 02:30 PM – 03:00 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: All ages

Who is that Person?

Is there a favourite person in your life you would give all your love to?


  •   10/05/2024
  • 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 10-12 years

The Serpent Hunters in Your Backyard

Who is the venomous 100-legger in your bathroom? Who lives in your kitchen but can survive a nuclear bomb attack? Whose home is it - yours or theirs? Wildlife isn’t confined to forests. Check out the backyard with Arefa.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Nature's Great Mysteries

Do tigers drink blood? Does the 'flying snake' fly? Were the 'Elephant Bird' or ‘Roc’ eggs that Sindbad the sailor saw a myth or reality? Let’s get to the bottom of some of the mysteries of nature!


  •   11/05/2024
  • 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

The Real Jetsetters

Some animals that travel the world with their wings and fins and feet can put our greatest travellers to shame. Want to know more about such creatures? Join in. 


  •   11/05/2024
  • 02:30 PM – 03:30PM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 12-14 years

Into the Dark Wild

Follow in the footsteps of renowned naturalist Raza H Tehsin, deep into the wilderness in the dead of night, hear the sounds carried by the wind. Are those anklet bells tinkling? Is that chattering laughter?


  •   10/05/2024
  • 09:00AM – 10:00AM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Gulgul Anda Gakasam!

Shall we go planet hopping with Gulgul? Want to know how your name will be written in the future? Join in. (Tamil and English)


  •   11/05/2024
  • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 4-6 years

Padaar, Thadaar!

Be ready for some seriously silly sounds as you join Gajapati Kulapati and Ashok in this session. (Tamil)


  •   11/05/2024
  • 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

Writing Pictures!

Fill the Doodle Wall with pictures drawn simply by using letters, numbers, dots and lines. Can you?


  •   10/05/2024
  • 09:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: All ages

Count 1,2, 3. Sing Do, Re, Mi.

Let’s start at the very beginning. A clap, a stomp, a wave. Come learn a tune and dance to the beat.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

Let’s Grow a Forest!

Trunk by trunk, branch by branch, leaf by leaf. Let’s make a tree that’s tall, that’s huge And, one by one, let it grow into a forest.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 15:00 PM – 15:30 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: All ages

Find your Friend

The lights are out and it's dark. How do you look for your friend?


  •   10/05/2024
  • 01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 10-12 years

The Language of the Body

Do you think we have to talk to make ourselves understood? Not always. Explore the many exciting possibilities in this theatre workshop! (restricted to 50)


  •   11/05/2024
  • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 4-6 years

Funny Furry Stories

Our furry friends can be very naughty at times! First they get into trouble and then they want us to save them. Come, let's hear about one such really naughty furry kid!


  •   11/05/2024
  • 01:00 PM – 01:30 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

Whodunnit?

Mysterious things are happening in the Varma household! Things are missing, things are turning up in funny places...and nobody knows who's doing it! Come, let's solve this interesting mystery!


  •   11/05/2024
  • 02:30 PM – 03:00 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: All ages

Who is that Person?

Is there a favourite person in your life you would give all your love to?


  •   10/05/2024
  • 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 12-14 years

Nova’s Friend

Nova has survived so much. Now she gets the chance to start all over again. Will she be able to embrace it? Find out in this poetic reading and performance by Chantal-Fleur Sandjon.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 02:30 PM – 03:30 PM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 12-14 years

Nova’s Friend

Nova has survived so much. Now she gets the chance to start all over again. Will she be able to embrace it? Find out in this poetic reading and performance by Chantal-Fleur Sandjon.


  •   10/05/2024
  • All Day
  •   Ongoing Activity Zone 1
  •  Age Group: All ages

C is for Colombo

Come and have fun helping to create a special alphabet scroll to celebrate Colombo. B is for Bookaroo. C is for Cricket. H is for Hoppers. T is for Tea. Keep adding to the list and see how the scroll shapes up in the end.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 4-6 years

Achoo! ACHooo! AACHOOO!!

Who has the loudest sneeze – and the coolest mask - in the jungle? (restricted to 35)


  •   11/05/2024
  • 02:30 PM - 03:30PM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Flying Owls and Twirly Gigs!

Birdy tricks and joyful sticks! Let's make toys that jump and flap. Endless joy and smiles all around.  (restricted to 35)


  •   11/05/2024
  • All day
  •   Ongoing Activity Zone 1
  •  Age Group: All ages

C is for Colombo

Come and have fun helping to create a special alphabet scroll to celebrate Colombo. B is for Bookaroo. C is for Cricket. H is for Hoppers. T is for Tea. Keep adding to the list and see how the scroll shapes up in the end.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: 10-12 years

What makes you a Superhero?

What makes you awesome? Is it your kindness? Creativity? Love for the planet? Or something else? Let's have your ideas on the wall.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

In Which Box Do I Go?

Revati is confused. Can you help her figure out where she belongs? And what about you?


  •   11/05/2024
  • 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 10-12 years

Scientific Secrets of a Fruit Salad

Would you like to grow your own fruit salad? Join Amal and Lihini in a Green adventure.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Legends and Lore

So you think you know all the folktales of Sri Lanka? Think again. (Sinhala)


  •   10/05/2024
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 12-14 years

Let the Pictures Speak!

Join author-illustrator Lavanya Karthik on a zany adventure into the craft of graphic novels. Learn the nuts and bolts of making one, and get started on your own!


  •   11/05/2024
  • 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

Of Dancing Hands and Curious Questions

Author Lavanya Karthik takes you on a fun-filled adventure into the world of her books. Meet Cyrus, a boy who kept asking 'Why'! And Adil, with his special dancing hands. (Tamil-English)


  •   11/05/2024
  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Noodle Doodle Flying Poodle!

Imagine a world where dogs could fly and birds could swim! Join author-illustrator Lavanya Karthik on a fun-filled journey into the fantastic!


  •   10/05/2024
  • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 4-6 years

In the Mighty Jungle

Someone's lost in the jungle and needs help. If you love playing detective and solving puzzles join Lavanya as she weaves a hilarious, thrilling tale full of music and movement.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 12:30 PM – 01:00 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

A Song that Saved a Village

Rassaiya will go to any length to help his wife Rakkamma learn to sing. Be prepared to ROFL, sing and dance. (Tamil and English)


  •   11/05/2024
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Villu Paatu

Prose, poetry ,theatre and the bow as musical instruments. An engaging folk storytelling as an art form. You will go back home in awe singing the story. Join Lavanya and discover the Villu Paatu style. (Tamil and English)


  •   10/05/2024
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 4-6 years

Hold on Tight…

…and explore the streets of Colombo with a Little Red Tuk Tuk who discovers that he is not too small to make a difference. (Sinhala and English)


  •   11/05/2024
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

School Projects, and Fun?

Join award-winning author Nadishka Aloysius as she shares her endearing and humorous picture book, Ayash Grows a Family Tree, about a little boy and his loving grandmother.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 10-12 years

Weaving Stories

Create visual stories using scraps of cloth and other odds and ends. Stories you have heard or read and want to give a form.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 12-14 years

Fabric Tales

Create visual stories using scraps of cloth and other odds and ends. Stories you have heard or read and want to give a form.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Things that Paper Can do

Turn paper into books by cutting, folding and gluing. Join Nina to make your own tunnel book theatre or an accordion book. (limited to 35)


  •   10/05/2024
  • 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Yum Yum Wall

Imagine a feast with your favourite foods! Noodles, pasta, kiribath, ambul thiyal or desserts, cakes and icecreams! Let's together draw up a menu of mouth-watering, delectable delights!


  •   10/05/2024
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

Happy, Sad, Angry, Mad!

How do you know when a character in a story is Happy, Sad, Angry or just Confused? Come, join a drawing session where you learn useful tips on how to give expressions to your cartoon characters.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 10-12 years

Paper Caper

Let's make some fun animal portraits with paper cut-outs!


  •   10/05/2024
  • 01:30 PM – 02:00 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Fabulous Folktales

From kings to monks and peasants, the good professor has a tale tucked away for every occasion. (Sinhala, Tamil and English)


  •   10/05/2024
  • 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
  •   Crafty Corner
  •  Age Group: 4-6 years

Freshly Baked

If you’re hungry for fun, come listen to a story and play while creating your own choon paan!


  •   11/05/2024
  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 4-6 years

The Neighbourhood Hero

Who is a hero? What makes him one? Join Rukshani to know more.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  •   Studio
  •  Age Group: 12-14 years

A Thought for the Planet

Create your own fantastical beast - cute or scary - using air, water, wind or fire. Do they have a message for the universe?


  •   11/05/2024
  • 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: 8-10 years

Topsy-Turvy

Do you see shapes in clouds? Does a crack in the wall look like a face to you? Come, discover how our eyes can play tricks and reveal wonders in the simplest things, in this workshop.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 02:30 PM – 03:30 PM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: All ages

Battle of the Brushes

Two artists... one story... It's a showdown between two illustrators drawing and sketching for their lives as an unknown story is read out to them.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  •   Auditorium
  •  Age Group: 12-14 years

On Writing

So you want to be a writer? Don't know where to start? This is a good place and now is a good time.


  •   11/05/2024
  • 01:30 PM – 02:00 PM
  •   Katha Gasa
  •  Age Group: 6-8 years

Storytime with Shehan

Stories with many twists and turns. Some will make you laugh while others will make you think.


  •   10/05/2024
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  •   Doodle Wall
  •  Age Group: 10-12 years

Crazy Comics

Want to learn how people tell stories in little boxes and word balloons? Join Shenuka as she gives you fun prompts to write text, create images and stitch them together in unexpected ways.


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