Sri Lanka is aiming to leverage the growing global demand for film tourism, but officials say infrastructure and technology upgrades are essential to compete on an international scale.
Chaminda Munasinghe, Assistant Director of International Media at the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), said the country has the natural beauty and compact geography suited for film production.
He highlighted that Sri Lanka’s waterfalls, mountains, and diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for international filmmakers.
However, Munasinghe admitted that the country lacks the modern infrastructure and technology needed to support high-end film productions.
To address this, discussions are underway with the National Film Corporation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will promote closer collaboration.
In recent months, two South Indian films were shot in Colombo and Galle, indicating rising interest from international filmmakers.
Acclaimed Oscar-winning director Deepa Mehta will shoot her next film, Sher, in Sri Lanka, marking the third international production in a short period.
Munasinghe emphasized the need for a strategic national plan to position Sri Lanka as a competitive and attractive film destination.
He called for proper registration, incentive packages, and technological support for international productions, which he said have been neglected for decades.
SLTPB has been actively promoting Sri Lanka to markets such as India and the UK, participating in international film location events over the past five to six years.
