Sri Lanka once again proved that it was becoming a favorite hotspot to provide picturesque locations for the Bollywood film industry when it selected Sri Lanka to do the cover shoot of the Film Fare magazine of November issue for the year 2017 with Deepika Padukone , one of Bollywood’s most successful actresses who has stolen the limelight of the Hollywood film industry as well. She recently visited Sri Lanka from 05th October to 07th October, with her 12-member Film Fare crew to do the cover shoot and also get a glimpse of Sri Lanka during her short stay. The Indian beauty who was born in Copenhagen and raised in Banglore , has won 3 film fare awards to her name , made her acting debut in 2006 as the title character of the Kannada film Aishwarya. The 2007 blockbuster Om Shanti Om paved her way to success which won a film fare award for the best female debut. Since then she has won numerous awards for her roles in major films and have received high praise for her talent and successful acting career./p>

Deepika Padukone is welcomed by Mr. Udaya Nanayakkara, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.Assistant Director Mr. Viranga Bandara looks on.

This will be another opportunity to promote Sri Lanka as a preferred destination in the Indian market, as Sri Lanka Tourism is already carrying out promotional activities in India to enable more tourist arrivals from the neighboring country. Ms. Padukone also met Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Udaya Nanayakkara and Assistant Director, Mr. Viranga Bandara . The team is based at the iconic Cape Weligama resort and hosted by them. Further, Sri Lanka will also have the opportunity to be given a two-page coverage by the popular Indian Film Magazine, which will enhance promoting Sri Lanka as one of Asia’s foremost multi-faceted destination to visit.

Ms. Deepika Padukone posing for a group photograph

Sri Lanka is reputed for its locations and has contributed for many successful Indian and Hollywood movies such as ‘’Water’’, Bombay Velvet’’ ‘’Bridge on the River Kwai’’ and ‘’ Indiana Jones’’. Sri Lanka has the potential of attracting Indian tourists since both nations share the same traditions, cultures and historical landmarks from the ancient times and well connected with over 126 flights per week between most cities in India and Colombo. From 29th October 2017, it will be increased to 150 flights.

Up to August this year, tourist arrivals from India has been recorded as 233,120, whereas it has marked a 3.6 increase compared with the same period last year.