Sri Lanka Tourism Invites Indian Couples to Celebrate Weddings in Paradise

Multi-City Luxury Wedding Shows Showcase Island’s Diversity and Hospitality

Bilkul Online |Ahmedabad | 10 Sept 2025

By Rafat Quadri

India, September 2025: Sri Lanka Tourism has made a grand pitch to Indian couples and families by officially opening its doors as a premier destination for luxury weddings. To mark this, the tourism body successfully hosted a series of multi-city luxury wedding showcases across India, positioning the island as one of the most breathtaking and versatile wedding destinations in the world.

A Celebration Beyond Borders

The wedding showcases brought together some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic hotels, resorts, heritage venues, and service providers with India’s leading wedding planners, travel agents, and media representatives. The events offered exclusive networking sessions, immersive presentations, and tailor-made concepts that demonstrated Sri Lanka’s capacity to host everything from traditional Indian ceremonies to modern luxury celebrations.

Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Promotion Bureau, said:

“Sri Lanka is now open for destination weddings, and we invite India to come celebrate love with us. The overwhelming response across India reaffirmed our belief that Sri Lanka holds a special place in the hearts of Indian couples. From pristine beaches and tea garden retreats to colonial mansions and heritage forts, the island offers everything needed to create weddings that are truly unforgettable.”

Why Sri Lanka for Weddings?

• Diverse Venues: Couples can choose from barefoot vows on a beach, serene garden ceremonies, regal heritage forts, or glamorous resorts.
• Easy Access: With short flights from major Indian cities and simplified visa processes, travel for guests is seamless.
• Luxury & Value: Tailored packages allow both lavish multi-day weddings and intimate boutique celebrations.
• Trusted Expertise: Sri Lanka’s hospitality and wedding teams are well-versed in Indian traditions, from mandap setups to culinary preferences.
• Unique Experiences: Cultural welcomes, VIP facilitation, airport branding, police escorts, and customs support for décor and production ensure a stress-free celebration.

Rakesh Shah, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Gujarat, in his inaugural address at the media interaction with the visiting Sri Lankan delegation, expressed his deep admiration for the island nation, its destinations, and its vibrant hospitality sector. He noted that the government is seriously considering the launch of a direct flight from Ahmedabad to Sri Lanka—a development he feels highly optimistic about. Shah further emphasized that for the people of Gujarat, Sri Lanka presents an ideal and exceptional destination for hosting wedding celebrations.

Nithini Senanayake, Assistant Director – Marketing, Sri Lanka Tourism, emphasized the island’s strong cultural connection with India:

“We understand the intricacies of Indian weddings—be it rituals, food preferences, or grandeur. Our aim is to provide couples with seamless experiences that combine the charm of Sri Lanka with the familiarity of their traditions, making every wedding truly personal and memorable.”

Yolande Pooja Gunawijeya, Wedding Planner at Galle Weddings, Sri Lanka, also accompanied the Sri Lankan officials and participated at the media interaction. She shared insights on the facilities and destination offerings in Sri Lanka, highlighting that the island is not only ideal and joyful for hosting weddings but also economical and highly competitive for the Indian market—particularly for people of Gujarat, who have a strong inclination to explore new places and host destination weddings for their loved ones.

Strong Industry Response

The showcases witnessed strong participation from Sri Lankan luxury hotels, iconic venues, and destination management companies. Indian wedding planners and travel partners responded with enthusiasm, signalling a bright future for cross-border collaborations.

An Indian wedding planner who attended the showcase remarked, “Indian couples today are looking for destinations that combine cultural familiarity with a sense of exclusivity. Sri Lanka ticks every box—proximity, affordability, stunning venues, and teams that understand our traditions.”

Kumudu Hennedige, R&D and Training, Sri Lanka Tourism, noted the potential for long-term growth observed, “We see this as the beginning of a sustainable partnership with India’s wedding industry. By offering innovative, trend-driven packages—whether intimate boutique weddings or large-scale celebrations—we can position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s most desirable wedding hub.”

Tapping Into New Wedding Trends

Sri Lanka Tourism also highlighted the rising trend of boutique and intimate weddings among Indian couples. With curated packages blending cultural richness, natural beauty, and affordable luxury, the island is well-positioned to attract couples seeking meaningful yet elegant celebrations.

Chairman Hewawasam added, “Our vision is to make Sri Lanka not just a wedding destination but a memorable journey for couples and their families. The collaboration we’ve seen with India’s wedding industry gives us confidence that this will become one of the most celebrated cross-border markets in the years ahead.”

The media interaction was led by Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Promotion Bureau, along with his team. The media interaction was concluded with a live lucky draw.

Sri Lanka Tourism, the official body responsible for promoting the island globally, continues to work with industry stakeholders to highlight the nation’s diverse offerings. From adventure and cultural travel to luxury weddings, the organisation ensures world-class hospitality and personalised facilitation. With its promise of creating weddings that are truly a celebration in paradise, Sri Lanka now invites Indian couples to begin their forever on its magical shores.

(Rafat Quadri can be contacted at editorbilkul@gmail.com)

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