The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has launched its first dedicated destination wedding campaign for the Indian market, opening a new chapter in strengthening tourism ties between the two countries. The campaign, rolled out in partnership with LINKIN REPS, features a series of luxury multi-city wedding showcases in India, positioning Sri Lanka as a premier wedding destination.
Growing Popularity of Sri Lanka for Indian Weddings
Sri Lanka is witnessing a surge in Indian couples choosing the island for weddings and pre-wedding celebrations. According to SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, the momentum is strong: “Last year we doubled the numbers, hosting about 30 large weddings of Indian couples in Sri Lanka, each with more than 500 guests, plus another 50 smaller celebrations.”
The country has also attracted weddings from the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, with some events hosting up to 750 guests across week-long celebrations. While Indian weddings dominate, European couples from Poland, Germany, and the UK are increasingly drawn to Sri Lanka’s beaches and heritage sites.
Expanding Wedding Hotspots
Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Hambantota, Kandy, Dambulla, and Negombo remain popular venues, but SLTPB is looking to expand the appeal of the East Coast, offering pristine beaches and more exclusive backdrops. Sri Lanka’s natural beauty has also driven a sharp increase in pre-wedding shoots.
Strategic Push in the Indian Market
With India already being Sri Lanka’s biggest tourism source market, the wedding promotion is part of a broader strategy to capture growing demand. “India is our biggest tourist market. We’re reaching 100,000 visitors now and expect 500,000 Indian travellers to visit Sri Lanka,” Hewawasam noted.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique advantages, he said the island can accommodate the full array of Indian religious ceremonies, thanks to its multi-faith infrastructure. The country also benefits from visa-free entry, excellent air connectivity, and world-class culinary offerings catering to Jain, Sattvic, Halal, vegan, and gluten-free requirements.
Sustainable and Evolving Experiences
As couples increasingly seek eco-conscious celebrations, many Sri Lankan properties now provide “green wedding” packages featuring plastic-free décor, local floral arrangements, and community-led performances. Hewawasam added: “In the past two to three years, our tourism landscape has transformed. We are now equipped to host both grand weddings and more intimate celebrations, reflecting the evolving preferences of the new generation.”
Boosting MICE Tourism
Alongside weddings, Sri Lanka is also eyeing India’s lucrative MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) market. Colombo’s enhanced conference facilities and entertainment options, combined with visa-free access and short flight times from India, are driving increasing demand. SLTPB has also strengthened its presence at MICE expos, with over 35 local participants representing Sri Lanka.
