The inaugural WedTalks Forum by Platinum World Grroup (PWG) has concluded in Colombo following a six-day FAM programme that brought wedding industry professionals from India and the UAE to experience Sri Lanka’s hospitality, destinations and potential as an international wedding and celebrations market.
Building on the discussions and destination experiences during the Forum and FAM programme, PWG has developed a strategic White Paper titled “Elevating Sri Lanka as a Global Destination for Weddings & Celebrations.” The five-year proposal outlines a potential public-private framework aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s international wedding tourism ecosystem.
The proposal targets approximately 300–400 qualifying international weddings and celebrations annually, which could contribute USD 125–150 million to the Sri Lankan economy as the market develops.
The White Paper will be presented by Sushill Waddhwa, Founder & CMD, Platinum World Grroup, along with Ajai Vir Singh, Founder of Colombo Fashion Week, to Hon. Governor Hanif Yusoof and subsequently shared with relevant government and tourism stakeholders for discussion.
Sushill Waddhwa, Founder & CMD, Platinum World Grroup said, “WedTalks was created to turn conversations into business and destinations into opportunities. The Forum and FAM have allowed international planners to experience Sri Lanka first-hand and engage directly with its hospitality and destination ecosystem. We have now taken those insights and converted them into a practical five-year roadmap. Our next step is to present it to the Government and work with the relevant stakeholders to explore how this opportunity can be developed for Sri Lanka.”
Hon. Governor Hanif Yusoof said, “Sri Lanka presents an extraordinary opportunity to create unforgettable wedding experiences. The strong growth we are seeing from the Indian wedding market demonstrates the potential of this sector. I congratulate Mr. Sushill Waddhwa on the debut of WedTalks Forum by Platinum World Grroup and for bringing this conversation to Colombo Fashion Week and Sri Lanka, creating a platform that connects creativity, design, hospitality and destination tourism.”
The proposed framework focuses on international market development, recurring FAM programmes, planner mobilisation, destination readiness and India and GCC market activation. It also highlights improved facilitation for large celebrations, greater participation from local suppliers and mechanisms to track wedding business, room nights, visitor spending and wider economic impact.
The initiative builds on the inaugural WedTalks Forum held at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Colombo, presented alongside Colombo Fashion Week. The accompanying FAM programme included experiences and engagements with hospitality partners including Shangri-La Colombo, Shangri-La Hambantota, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort and Cinnamon Bentota Beach, with Aitken Spence Travels supporting travel logistics.
Ajai Vir Singh, Founder, Colombo Fashion Week said, “Colombo has demonstrated how fashion can become a powerful platform for the wedding industry and destination tourism. WedTalks has created an important bridge between these two worlds and brought international wedding professionals into the Sri Lankan ecosystem.”
Kamal Munasinghe, SVP – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams said, “Hosting WedTalks has provided an opportunity to showcase Colombo and Sri Lanka to an international community of planners and industry leaders. The combination of fashion, weddings and hospitality creates a compelling platform for the destination.”
The long-term vision of WedTalks Forum is to take the model to other international Fashion Weeks, Bridal Fashion Weeks and Film Festivals, connecting global wedding demand with hotels, destinations, policymakers, fashion and wedding industry leaders.
The next phase will see PWG present the White Paper to the Government and engage with relevant stakeholders on the opportunities, priorities and potential implementation framework outlined in the proposal.
