Colombo International Kite Festival Lifts Sri Lanka’s Global Profile

Colombo International Kite Festival 2025

A Landmark Event for Sri Lanka Tourism

The Colombo International Kite Festival 2025, organised by Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Derana Media Network, concluded on a highly successful note at the iconic Galle Face Green. The vibrant four-day festival attracted record-breaking numbers of international participants, local enthusiasts, and visitors, making it one of the most colourful and glamorous events of the year. This marked Sri Lanka’s debut as the proud host of the globally acclaimed festival, a milestone that further strengthens its reputation as a nation of festivals and cultural celebrations.

A Message of Peace and Unity Across the Skies

The festival’s primary aim was to promote peace, creativity, and unity across nations through the timeless art of kite flying. This year’s edition brought together 55 international kite flyers from 25 countries across five continents, alongside 500 Sri Lankan kite enthusiasts. The skies above Colombo were filled with vivid displays of craftsmanship, colour, and cultural identity, with participants from countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, France, Australia, and Vietnam. Each kite reflected the uniqueness of its nation, transforming Galle Face Green into a canvas of international friendship and harmony.

Global Participation and Local Celebration

Colombo International Kite Festival 2025

The international participants spent three weeks in Sri Lanka, immersing themselves in the country’s traditions, cuisine, and diverse attractions. From exploring heritage sites to sampling authentic Sri Lankan flavours, they experienced first-hand the warm hospitality that has made Sri Lanka renowned worldwide. For locals, the festival created a cultural hub filled with art, music, dance, and food, turning Colombo into a lively destination for both residents and tourists.

Strengthening Colombo as a Cultural Hub

The Colombo International Kite Festival was part of the Colombo destination branding project, a strategic initiative by Sri Lanka Tourism to promote the capital city as a hub for cultural celebrations and global gatherings. Hosting this event highlighted Sri Lanka’s capability to organise international festivals on par with iconic global events such as:

• Gujarat’s International Kite Festival (India)
• Weifang Kite Festival (China)
• Dieppe Kite Festival (France)
• Pasir Gudang Kite Festival (Malaysia)
• Washington State Kite Festival (USA)

This recognition not only places Colombo among the world’s celebrated kite destinations but also boosts Sri Lanka’s appeal as a tourism hotspot for unique and experiential travel.

A Grand Finale with Global Friendship

The festival concluded with a gala dinner hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism under the patronage of Hon. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe. The closing event provided an opportunity for participants and officials to exchange ideas, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the success of Sri Lanka’s first international kite festival. The evening underscored the festival’s mission of fostering unity while creating memorable travel experiences.

Opening New Doors for Tourism Promotion

Colombo International Kite Festival 2025

By successfully hosting this globally recognised event, Sri Lanka has showcased its readiness to welcome international festivals and visitors from around the world. The Colombo International Kite Festival not only celebrated creativity and tradition but also promoted Sri Lanka’s vast tourism opportunities—from cultural festivals and nature escapes to adventure and culinary experiences. It opened new pathways to market Sri Lanka as a versatile and must-visit destination for global travelers.

For more information on planning your visit to Sri Lanka, explore:
Sri Lanka Tourism – https://www.srilanka.travel

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