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| Sunday, 18 December 2005 |
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Floating book fair in Colombo by Thava Sajitharan MV Doulos, claimed as the world's oldest ocean-going passenger ship is now here in Sri Lanka. The ship, presently owned by a German charity organisation "Gute Bucher fur alle" (Good books for all), also holds the largest 'floating book fair' on board the ship. The book fair was officially opened in Sri Lanka last Friday (16) after Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapakse, the First Lady of Sri Lanka, who was the chief guest of the occasion cut the ceremonial ribbon. The book exhibition will be open to public in Colombo until December 31 after which the vessel will move on to Galle port, according to Ray Peng, Media Relations Officer of Doulos. MV Doulos was built in 1914 two years after famous 'Titanic' was constructed. It was originally built as a freighter named S. S. Medina. The ship underwent many changes and was owned by many companies. Addressing the guests and media personnel at the opening ceremony of the 'floating book fair' held at the conference hall of the vessel, Mr. Alex Feddes, captain of Doulos said sailing the sea gave wider exposure of the world. He said since 1978 the ship had been travelling all around the world. Over 17 million people have visited the ship during these years, according to him. He also noted that Doulos carried around 6000 different titles of books and crew of the ship included 320 voluntarily working members representing 40 nationalities from different parts of the world. Dr. Daniel Chae, Director of the ship, delivering words of welcome expressed gladness on visiting Sri Lanka. While praising the historic importance and scenic beauty of the island he also said that the members of the crew would share the sorrow of tsunami devastation that befell Sri Lanka in December last year. |
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