Sri Lanka’s wildlife fascinates global stage in Belgium

Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium with the sponsorship of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organised screening of a stunning Sri Lankan wildlife documentary produced by RTBF broadcasting organisation to the Le Jardin Extraordinaire (The extraordinary garden), a premier natural & environmental documentary program of RTBF targeting the French-speaking community in Belgium. The inaugural screening took place on October 10, 2026, at Le Delta, the Provincial Cultural Centre in Namur, as part of the renowned Namur International Nature Festival. Over 400 nature enthusiasts, conservationists, and lovers of biodiversity gathered to experience the thrilled wildlife and rich fauna of Sri Lanka at the inaugural screen.

Ambassador Chandana Weerasena and the Embassy team attended the inaugural screening. Following the screening, the Ambassador participated in an interactive question-and-answer session with the renowned journalist & famous wildlife filmmaker in Belgium, Tanguy Dumortier, who joined the RTBF TV crew for filming in Sri Lanka. The discussion highlighted Sri Lanka’s exceptional natural heritage, distinctive wildlife and potential as a destination for nature-based tourism.

Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau facilitated filming of this special edition of Belgian wildlife documentary Le Jardin Extraordinaire in Sri Lanka by the RTBF team in early this year with the objective of showcasing the island’s rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and exceptional natural beauty to the millions of viewers in Belgium and other French-speaking markets.

The documentary team covered several of Sri Lanka’s most significant wildlife destinations, including national wildlife parks Wilpattu, Udawalawa, Kumana and the Sinharaja Rainforest. Jetwing Eco Holidays Ltd., will served as the official accommodation and travel partner for the TV crew during their stay in Sri Lanka.

Le Jardin Extraordinaire is Belgium’s longest-running television program and one of the oldest nature documentary program in European television history. First broadcast on 3 October 1965, the program recently celebrated its 60th anniversary on RTBF, the French-language public broadcaster in Belgium.

As a part of the promotional activities, Sri Lankan tourism brochures were distributed among participants, while tourism promotional banners were showcased at the venue. Ceylon tea was also served to guests, providing a further opportunity to introduce attendees to one of Sri Lanka’s internationally recognised products.

Tourist arrivals from Belgium to Sri Lanka recorded the highest-ever number in 2025, and this forthcoming wildlife documentary which will be telecasted on RTBF TV channel in November 2026 is expected to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s visibility as a premier nature and eco-tourism destination and a rich biodiversity hotspot, contributing to sustained growth in tourist arrivals from Belgium and other French-speaking regions in years to come.