BMICH
The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is a
prominent landmark and multipurpose venue located in Colombo, the capital
city of Sri Lanka. It was built in memory of former Prime Minister of Sri
Lanka, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, and serves as a center for hosting a wide
range of national and international events, conferences, exhibitions, and
cultural performances.
Designed by the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the BMICH was
officially opened in 1973 by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the widow
of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. The architecture of the BMICH is inspired by
traditional Sri Lankan design elements, featuring a distinctive roof
structure resembling the form of an upturned lotus flower.
The BMICH encompasses a sprawling complex with multiple halls and
facilities, including a main conference hall, exhibition halls, meeting
rooms, banquet halls, and outdoor spaces. The main conference hall, with its
seating capacity of over 1,500, is equipped with state-of-the-art
audiovisual and conferencing technology, making it suitable for hosting
large-scale conferences and conventions.
Over the years, the BMICH has played host to numerous prestigious events of
national and international significance, including summits, seminars, trade
fairs, cultural shows, and concerts. It has served as a platform for
diplomatic gatherings, government functions, corporate events, and academic
conferences, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka's role as a hub for
regional and global interactions.
Apart from its role as a venue for events, the BMICH is also home to the
Bandaranaike Museum, which commemorates the life and achievements of
S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and provides insights into Sri Lanka's political
history.