Sri Lanka, Sept. 29 -- Some exhibitors who have participated in the Colombo International Book Fair previously have kept away from the exhibition this year due to political interference, Opposition MP Amila Prasad Siriwardana alleged yesterday.

MP Siriwardana told Daily Mirror that the government had allegedly influenced the organizers and requested them to give priority to exhibitors who have been associated with them." I got to know from reliable sources that one exhibitor Vidarshana Publications which have been participating in the exhibition for years have decided to keep away from the exhibition.

Some believe that taxes charged for books is one reason for some exhibitors to keep away this year," he added.

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