A party for two or 2,500
We know it as the ideal venue for international conferences, conventions, graduation ceremonies, grand concerts and other similarly large-scale events. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, widely known as the BMICH has earned its reputation as a star class venue over the years and not many realise that it has everything a five star hotel offers – save accommodation.
Although initially built as a conference hall, the BMICH is now looking to invite in a different clientele. Modified to accommodate functions big and small – anyone can book the BMICH now for a party of just two people or 2,500 people. It has as many as 16 different venues that can be used for different functions. The BMICH is now focused on getting this message across to the public to change their view that the BMICH is purely a conference venue alone.
The BMICH was gifted to the Sri Lankan people following a state visit to China in 1970 by Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike where she met Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Enlai. When Prime Minister Zhu had asked Mrs. Bandaranaike what he could do for Sri Lanka, and she had replied that she needed a conference hall to host the Non Aligned conference of 1976, the Chinese PM graciously offered to build a conference hall in order to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The conference hall was a gift to Sri Lanka by the Chinese government.
Construction began in 1971 and ended in 1973 – well in time for the Non Aligned conference. To this date the Chinese government helps with the maintenance of the conference hall – there’s a team of 17 Chinese technicians residing permanently in Sri Lanka and the Chinese government meets the cost of many of the spare parts need for the upkeep of the BMICH.
The main conference hall is without a doubt the most important part of the venue.
However, there are smaller and more interesting places for many other functions. Sixteen venues are spread over the 42 acre complex and one of the most interesting is probably the Mihilaka Medura. With a beautiful fish pond which snakes across the entire venue, the Mihilaka Medura has an eco-friendly setting, with greenery and mud caked walls giving the space an earthen and natural look. Don’t let the rustic look fool you though – the Mihilaka Medura is air-conditioned inside – while the outer areas give visitors the ability to gaze at the ample greenery present.
A beautiful cocktail lawn which is available as another venue of the BMICH hints at grandeur and elegance. The cinema hall, which seats 200 can be used by conference organisers to add depth and diversity to their conference by incorporating educational films and videos to the agenda.
What’s even more interesting is that the BMICH can also host weddings and birthday parties – catering services are offered by the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
An added advantage is the parking for up to 2,500 vehicles – something rarely seen in Colombo. The BMICH hopes to reach out to foreigners looking to organise conferences in Sri Lanka without them having to depend on Sri Lankan agents in the future. The management feels that this would be a great source of revenue for the country and will also promote tourism.
So maybe the next time you think of the stately octagonal conference hall, you could also picture the many venues which add attraction and diversity to the BMICH.