First ever Colombo International Shopping Festival opens

Shoppers at the festival on its opening day 

– Pic by Kithsiri de Mel 

By Shannon Jayawardena

With the aim of promoting Sri Lanka as a shopping hub, the country’s first ever dedicated international shopping festival was declared open yesterday at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC).

The three-day festival is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lanka’s Retailer’s Association. The festival is open from 10.00 a.m to 10.00 p.m.

Tourism Development Minister John Amar-atunga and Retailer’s Association Chairman Hussain Sadique took part in the opening ceremony. The Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade, the Plantation Industries Ministry, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the Sri Lanka Tea Board and SriLankan Airlines are some of the other state entities supporting the initiative.

The Shopping Festival comprises various iconic stalls showcasing unique cultural items that promote Sri Lankan goods to create the ultimate shopping experience for tourists. The organisers have said they believe in making Sri Lanka a “shopping hub” on a global platform.

The Sri Lanka Tea Board, Shermila Batik, Dankotuwa, Siddhalepa Ayurveda, SAF’s Classique, Sri Lankan Airlines, Handloom Goods, and many cultural food stalls displayed the country’s creativity and luxuriousness in its own way. Charles & Keith, Wow.lk, Signature, Abans, Crocodile, Panasonic, and Singer were also present at the event.

Shoppers will be able to purchase renowned brands in the most cost-effective manner as Abans offers up to 50% discounts on all items, Wow.lk up to 70% discounts on all electronics and Charles & Keith will be selling all bags at a price of Rs. 5,500 and shoes at a price of Rs. 5,000.