Tourism Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Hosted Landmark International Destination Wedding at Shangri-La Hambantota

Hambantota, Sri Lanka | March 26–29, 2026

Sri Lanka proudly welcomed over 800 international guests for the destination wedding of entrepreneur Mujtaba Shaikhani and Dr. Hafsha Merchant, a distinguished aesthetic medicine doctor from Mumbai. The four-day celebration, held at the Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, marked one of the largest international weddings hosted in the country, with guests staying an average of five to seven nights and contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s tourism economy.

About the Families and the Couple:
This union brought together two respected families from the fields of global business and modern medicine.

• Mujtaba Shaikhani (Groom’s family) was recognized for his leadership in the global insulation industry through the Gulf O Flex brand, which had expanded across multiple international markets with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

• Dr. Hafsha Merchant (Bride’s family) was celebrated in Mumbai for her pioneering work in aesthetic medicine, advancing modern cosmetic and skin treatments with precision and patient-centered care.

Together, their marriage symbolized not only a personal bond but also a connection between communities across South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

A Celebration of Culture and Hospitality:
Guests from the United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Sri Lanka gathered for four days of themed celebrations, culminating in a sunset nikkah ceremony overlooking the Indian Ocean and a grand reception titled The Royal Affair, inspired by Moroccan elegance. International performers and artists added vibrancy to the festivities, blending tradition with modern luxury.

Government Endorsement and National Importance:
The Government of Sri Lanka identified the promotion and support of such international events as a major responsibility in advancing the country’s tourism vision. It remained vital that both government and private institutions were fully prepared to host large-scale events, ensuring seamless hospitality and infrastructure.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) officially endorsed this wedding celebration and extended their full support to make it a success. Their involvement underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier global destination for weddings and international gatherings.

The ceremony held on 29th March 2026 was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. His presence highlighted the national significance of the event as a symbol of friendship, cultural exchange, and international goodwill.

Looking Ahead:
As Sri Lanka continued to diversify its tourism offerings, this landmark wedding demonstrated the nation’s ability to host large-scale international gatherings with elegance, authenticity, and world-class hospitality. It was not only a celebration of love but also a powerful showcase of Sri Lanka’s potential as one of the world’s leading destinations for weddings and beyond.

Sri Lanka Hosts Landmark International Destination Wedding at Shangri-La Hambantota

Hambanthota , Sri Lanka March 26–29, 2026

Sri Lanka proudly welcomes over 800 international guests for the destination wedding of entrepreneur Mujtaba Shaikhani and Dr. Hafsha Merchant, a distinguished aesthetic medicine doctor from Mumbai. The four-day celebration, held at the Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, marks one of the largest international weddings hosted in the country, with guests staying an average of five to seven nights and contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s tourism economy

About the Families and the Couple :
This union brings together two respected families from the fields of global business and modern medicine.

•Mujtaba Shaikhani is recognized for his leadership in the global insulation industry through the Gulf O Flex brand, which has expanded across multiple international markets with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

•Dr. Hafsha Merchant is celebrated in Mumbai for her pioneering work in aesthetic medicine, advancing modern cosmetic and skin treatments with precision and patient-centered care.

Together, their marriage symbolizes not only a personal bond but also a connection between communities across South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe..

A Celebration of Culture and Hospitality:
Guests from the United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Sri Lanka are gathering for four days of themed celebrations, culminating in a sunset nikkah ceremony overlooking the Indian Ocean and a grand reception titled The Royal Affair, inspired by Moroccan elegance. International performers and artists will add vibrancy to the festivities, blending tradition with modern luxury.

Government Endorsement and National Importance:
The Government of Sri Lanka has identified the promotion and support of such international events as a major responsibility in advancing the country’s tourism vision. It is vital that both government and private institutions are fully prepared to host upcoming large-scale events, ensuring seamless hospitality and infrastructure.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) have officially endorsed this wedding celebration and extended their full support to make it a success. Their involvement underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier global destination for weddings and international gatherings.

Hon. Vijith Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, together with Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, have been invited to participate in the celebrations, highlighting the importance of this occasion as a symbol of friendship, cultural exchange, and international goodwill.

Looking Ahead
As Sri Lanka continues to diversify its tourism offerings, this landmark wedding demonstrates the nation’s ability to host large-scale international gatherings with elegance, authenticity, and world-class hospitality. It is not only a celebration of love but also a powerful showcase of Sri Lanka’s potential as one of the world’s leading destinations for weddings and beyond.

Global Recognition for Sri Lanka Tourism 🇱🇰🥇

We are proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by Jordan Campbell, who has won Gold at the North American Travel Journalists Association Awards for her stunning Sri Lanka photo essay “The Passing Glances of Train Car #3.” 📸

As the destination partner, this recognition is a proud moment for Sri Lanka Tourism. It reflects the power of authentic storytelling and the emotional connection our island creates through its people, culture, and everyday life.

Jordan’s work beautifully captures the essence of Sri Lanka, from candid human moments to cultural depth, showcasing the island in a way that resonates with global audiences.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jordan on this well deserved achievement and thank her for sharing Sri Lanka’s story with the world.

Sri Lanka shows its Tourism potential at the ITB Berlin with flying
colours.

Sri Lanka was able to conclude its participation at the ITB 2026 on a successful note, attracting visitors both German and from all across the European Region. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was a major attraction throughout the entire event, with its traditional dance performances, culture and glamour,and the myriad of Travel opportunities and Tourism products they had to offer. This was another opportunity to show Sri Lanka as a world renowned travel destination, and a 365 destination wherethe modern traveller can have the best holiday experience.

The Sri Lanka Stand at Hall 5.2 was successfully inaugurated at ITB 2026 in the presence of H.E. Varuni Muthukumarana, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany, officials of the Sri LankaTourism Promotion Bureau, representatives of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines, and other industry participants.Overall the Sri Lanka delegation included 72 participants both from the Travel and Tourism Sector .

Business meetings were conducted as scheduled, although overall footfall appeared to be comparatively lower due to the prevailing global situation. A few registered participants were unable to attend owing to ongoing flight disruptions. Nevertheless, ITB Berlin proceeded with its usual vibrancy and professionalism.

Some active consumer engagement was seen throughout the event – Promoting Sri Lanka directly to consumers (e.g. through giveaways, raffles, cultural performances, Facilitation of B2B meetings with travel trade partners, and Engagements with German media representatives.

The Sri Lanka Press Conference was held at Hub 27, Beta 9, in the Media Centre. A total of 64 international media representatives attended the event. The programme featured insightful speeches by the panel, followed by an engaging Q&A session addressing current developments and industry concerns raised by the media. This took an interesting turn as media representatives were particularly concerned about getting to know Sri Lanka for what it really is.

Another important milestone which Sri Lanka achieved was , being honored with the “ Destination of the year –Diverse Island Experiences “ at the PATWA International Travel Awards Ceremony
being held during ITB Berlin on 4 th March 20126 at Hall A4, CityCube , which was awarded by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association.

This prestigious recognition highlights Sri Lanka’s unique positioning as a destination offering a wide range of diverse travel experiences within a compact island—from beaches and wildlife to
heritage, culture, wellness, and authentic local lifestyles. The award further strengthens Sri Lanka’s image as an attractive and versatile long-haul destination for the European travel market.

The ITB Berlin was held from 3rd to 5th March 2026. For Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, ITB Berlin is one of the most strategic annual platforms for market positioning, relationship building, and
business generation, particularly in the European market. It provides direct engagement with German tour operators, travel agents, airlines, online platforms, and media under one roof, enabling efficient B2B networking. Germany is one of Sri Lanka’s major source markets which brings a considerable revenue to Sri Lanka . By encouraging more German Tourist arrivals, it will be of incredible value to promote Sri Lanka amongst the German nationals, thereby increasing both Tourism revenue and
Taking Sri Lanka’s message to explore the uniqueness of Sri Lanka at the same time.

Colombo Bike Week Returns in 2026!

After an eight-year hiatus, the iconic Colombo Bike Week is set to roar back in 2026, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to experience the thrill of riding in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism proudly endorses this exciting event, which showcases the island as a vibrant destination for adventure, lifestyle, and international events. With Travels – Pulse of Sri Lanka partnering with Buzzword International as the Official Hospitality Partner, international riders and guests will enjoy seamless hospitality, travel coordination, transport, and event logistics throughout their journey in Sri Lanka.

This highly anticipated comeback promises unforgettable rides, global camaraderie, and a celebration of Sri Lanka’s dynamic tourism experiences.

Sri Lanka Tourism was privileged to welcome Pujya Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj to the sacred city of Trincomalee, home to the historic Koneswaram Temple — one of the most revered Shiva temples and a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage. His Holiness’ visit and blessings at this sacred site highlight the deep-rooted religious and cultural connections shared between Sri Lanka and India.

This meaningful visit further strengthens Sri Lanka’s position within the global Hindu pilgrimage circuit and reinforces Trincomalee’s importance as a key destination within the upcoming Shiva Trail.

Sri Lanka Tourism was deeply honoured to welcome Pujya Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj to Jaffna, a city renowned for its profound spiritual heritage and sacred Shaivite traditions. His Holiness’ visit to the revered Naguleswaram Temple in Keerimalai reflects the enduring religious and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India, and highlights the importance of Jaffna as a key destination within the island’s spiritual landscape and the upcoming Shiva Trail pilgrimage circuit.

His presence brings blessings and renewed global attention to Sri Lanka’s sacred sites, reinforcing the island’s position as a meaningful destination for spiritual reflection and pilgrimage.

𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿
Bandaranaike International Airport, 26 February 2026

Sri Lanka marked a historic milestone today (26 February 2026) with the ceremonial issuance of the first Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and the official welcome of Ms. Darya Gordiyenko, the first Digital Nomad Visa holder, and her spouse, Mr. Yaroslav Kovalchuk, to the island. The event, organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), was held at the Silk Route Arrival Lounge at Bandaranaike International Airport.

The ceremony was graced by Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy; Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy; Mr. Chamila Jayarathna, Deputy Managing Director, SLTPB; Mr. Saakya Ukwatte, Managing Director, Mt. Lavinia Hotel, and Board Member SLTPB; Ms. Nayana E. Senarathne, Controller, Visa of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, along with officials from SLTPB and ICTA.
Cabinet approval for the Digital Nomad Visa was granted in 2023. However, despite the approval, the programme remained inactive for a considerable period. Recognizing the increasing global demand for flexible work environments and understanding the strategic importance of attracting location-independent professionals, Sri Lanka Tourism took decisive steps to operationalize and reactivate the Digital Nomad Visa initiative in close collaboration with relevant institutions.

To drive this initiative forward, SLTPB appointed a dedicated Digital Nomad Tourism Advisory Committee comprising Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of SLTPB; Mr. D M S A Niroshana, Managing Director of SLTPB; Mr. Darshana Charith Kaluthanthri, Deputy Director – Design & Marketing Officer (Digital Nomads Tourism), SLTPB; Mr. Saakya Ukwatte, Board Member of SLTPB and Managing Director of Mount Lavinia Hotel; Ms. Gayangi Wirasinha, Board Member of SLTPB and Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent (Pvt) Ltd; Mr. Heminda Jayaweera, Executive Director of Trace Sri Lanka; Ms. Chiranthi Balapatabendi, Director – Technology Industry Development at ICTA; and Mr. Charith Kandamulla, Specialist Visa Officer at ICTA.

The Committee engaged in several productive discussions with Mr. Chaminda Pathiraja, Controller General (Acting) of the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Ms. Nayana E. Senarathna, Controller, Visa of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and Ms. Pinithi Minsara of the Department of Immigration and Emigration also actively contributed to these deliberations. During these discussions with the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Mr. Nuwan Jayaweera, Senior Assistant Director of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, together with representatives from the Ministry of Defence, participated alongside representatives of SLTPB and ICTA to ensure that regulatory, financial, and security considerations were comprehensively addressed. The initiative further benefited from the guidance and institutional support extended by the Ministry of Defence in strengthening the necessary security-related frameworks.

Through these coordinated inter-agency efforts, SLTPB identified the key challenges that had previously hindered the effective issuance of the Digital Nomad Visa and worked closely with the above-mentioned officials to introduce structured and practical solutions. Following several rounds of discussions, procedural refinements, and system enhancements, the Digital Nomad Visa was officially reactivated on 14 February 2026. The visa application process is now fully operational through the official platform of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

The issuance of the first Digital Nomad Visa represents not only the implementation of a new visa category but also the beginning of a strategic shift in Sri Lanka’s tourism positioning. The initiative is designed to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, and global digital professionals who work for overseas employers or manage international businesses while residing in Sri Lanka. These long-stay visitors are expected to contribute to foreign exchange earnings, support local service sectors, engage with communities, and organically promote Sri Lanka through their global digital networks.
In parallel with the visa reactivation, SLTPB will implement the Digital Nomad Promotional Campaign 2026, a targeted international marketing initiative aimed at positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive lifestyle destination for remote professionals. The campaign will utilize strategic digital marketing, international partnerships, content-driven storytelling, and engagement with global remote work platforms to promote Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, connectivity, lifestyle appeal, and cost advantages. It will focus on key source markets with a high concentration of remote professionals and highlight Sri Lanka’s unique combination of tropical living, cultural richness, reliable internet connectivity, co-working ecosystems, and travel diversity within a compact geography.

This milestone underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to innovation-driven tourism development and the integration of tourism with the digital economy. By aligning policy implementation with proactive global marketing, Sri Lanka aims to position itself as a forward-looking, progressive, and welcoming destination for global digital talent.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria and application requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa can be obtained by visiting the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=18
https://srilanka.travel/digitalnomad/