Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a premier global destination for high-profile weddings, as it aims to attract 20-25 luxury weddings annually, with an estimated revenue potential of US $ 6.25 million.
The initiative was discussed at a stakeholder meeting yesterday, hosted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, focusing on the strategies to promote hassle-free destination weddings in the country.
With a coordinated approach, Sri Lanka aims to transform into a top-tier wedding destination, capitalising on its natural beauty, rich culture and hospitality to boost tourism revenue.
The event, organised jointly by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, brought together the key players from the tourism, hospitality and event management sectors. Discussions centred on the streamlining processes, overcoming logistical challenges and leveraging Sri Lanka’s scenic and cultural appeal to attract affluent international couples.
The stakeholders highlighted several hurdles, including delays in obtaining permits for heritage and beach venues, complex customs procedures for wedding-related imports and inconsistent approval processes. The proposed solutions included introducing dedicated immigration counters for wedding guests, simplifying customs clearances and forming a national destination wedding steering committee to oversee the initiatives.
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised the need for intergovernmental collaboration, stating that unified efforts are essential to realising Sri Lanka’s potential in this lucrative market. He assured the investors and stakeholders of the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support.
The discussion also explored the ways to promote Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings—from cultural and heritage-themed weddings to nature-inspired ceremonies on beaches, forests and oceans. Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in overcoming the operational inefficiencies and ensuring seamless execution.
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi highlighted how the destination weddings could drive sustainable tourism and social development. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam underscored the country’s versatility in catering to varied wedding themes, making it an attractive choice for international couples.
