The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Korea, successfully concluded the Sri Lanka Mega Roadshow 2026 at the prestigious Lotte Hotel Seoul on 08 June 2026, further strengthening tourism, cultural, and spiritual ties between Sri Lanka and South Korea.

The high-profile event brought together more than 200 tourism stakeholders, travel trade representatives, media personnel, airline partners, and Buddhist religious leaders from both countries, providing a dynamic platform to promote Sri Lanka as a premier destination for leisure, culture, wellness, nature, and Buddhist pilgrimage tourism.

The Roadshow was graced by several distinguished guests, including His Excellency Mr. Pathmanathan, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea; Most Venerable Jin Seong, Director of International and Social Affairs of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism; Most Venerable Dr. Thalgamuwe Dhammakitti Nayaka Thero, Chief Sanghanayaka of Korea; Mr. Sanjaya Niroshana, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB); Ms. Tae-Sook Cho, Chairperson of the Seoul Tourism Association; Mr. John Park, Chairman & CEO of Pacific Air Agency, General Sales Agent (GSA) for SriLankan Airlines in South Korea; Mr. Shin Joong-Mok, Chairman of the KOTFA, and Seoul International Travel Fair , Ms. Chandima Abeyrathna, Minister (Commercial), Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Korea, Mr. Chammika Iddagoda, Country Manager – South Korea, Sri Lankan Airlines; and Ms. Thanuja Muniweera, Deputy Director – Advertising & Marketing and Country Manager – South Korea, SLTPB.

A key highlight of this year’s Roadshow was the participation of Most Venerable Jin Seong, Director of International and Social Affairs of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, who was accorded special VVIP recognition following an invitation coordinated through the efforts of Most Venerable Dr. Thalgamuwe Dhammakitti Nayaka Thero, Chief Sanghanayaka of Korea. His esteemed presence symbolized the enduring Buddhist and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea and reinforced ongoing efforts to position Sri Lanka as a leading destination for Korean Buddhist pilgrims and spiritual travelers. The participation of the Jogye Order further strengthened opportunities for enhanced religious, cultural, and pilgrimage exchanges between the two nations while highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage and sacred sites to the Korean market.

The event commenced with traditional Sri Lankan ceremonial proceedings, including the Oil Lamp Lighting Ceremony, followed by captivating cultural performances by the official SLTPB cultural troupe from Ranga Gamage Dance Studio, showcasing the island's rich heritage and vibrant traditions.

A total of 25 Sri Lankan travel and tourism industry representatives participated in the Roadshow, engaging in extensive Business-to-Business (B2B) networking meetings with Korean travel agencies, tour operators, online travel agencies (OTAs), airline representatives, and media organizations. The sessions generated strong interest in Sri Lanka and created valuable opportunities for future partnerships and increased visitor arrivals from South Korea.

Delivering the welcome address, His Excellency Mr. Pathmanathan highlighted the growing friendship between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea and underscored the importance of tourism as a bridge connecting the people, cultures, and economies of the two nations.

Mr. Sanjaya Niroshana, Managing Director of SLTPB, reaffirmed Sri Lanka Tourism's commitment to the Korean market and emphasized ongoing efforts to expand tourism partnerships, diversify tourism products, and enhance destination awareness among Korean travelers.

During his destination presentation, Mr. Niroshana highlighted Sri Lanka's diverse tourism offerings, including cultural heritage attractions, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ayurveda and wellness experiences, wildlife and nature tourism, adventure activities, pristine beaches, sustainable tourism initiatives, and Buddhist pilgrimage circuits. He further emphasized that Sri Lanka's visa-free entry policy for South Korean nationals has significantly enhanced the destination's attractiveness and accessibility. Combined with direct SriLankan Airlines connectivity between Incheon and Colombo, Korean travelers can now enjoy a seamless and convenient journey to Sri Lanka.

He noted that these favorable travel conditions are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of Korean tourist arrivals and further strengthen tourism exchanges and people-to-people connections between the two countries. He also highlighted that the visa-free initiative presents a timely opportunity to position Sri Lanka as a competitive and convenient long-haul destination for Korean travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, wellness and Ayurveda retreats, nature and wildlife adventures, as well as Buddhist pilgrimage and spiritual tourism experiences.

A special presentation on air connectivity and travel opportunities was delivered by Mr. Chammika Iddagoda, Country Manager – South Korea, SriLankan Airlines, highlighting the airline's continued commitment to supporting tourism growth between Sri Lanka and South Korea through direct connectivity and enhanced travel convenience.

Delivering the appreciation remarks, Ms. Thanuja Muniweera, Deputy Director – Advertising & Marketing and Country Manager – South Korea, SLTPB, expressed her sincere gratitude to all VVIPs, VIPs, travel trade partners, media representatives, airline partners, Buddhist clergy, and participants for their invaluable support in making the Roadshow a resounding success. She particularly emphasized the significance of strengthening Buddhist and cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and Korea and encouraged Korean travelers to explore Sri Lanka's sacred Buddhist heritage, spiritual traditions, and unique cultural experiences.

As a special feature of the event, SriLankan Airlines, in collaboration with SLTPB, presented Special Appreciation Awards to five leading Korean travel agencies in recognition of their exceptional contribution to promoting Sri Lanka and consistently generating significant tourist arrivals from South Korea. The awards celebrated their dedication, long-standing partnerships, and valuable role in strengthening tourism exchanges between the two countries.

The Sri Lanka Mega Roadshow 2026 successfully reinforced Sri Lanka's position as a preferred destination for Korean travelers while highlighting the country's commitment to sustainable tourism development, cultural preservation, and the promotion of Buddhist pilgrimage tourism.

As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its presence in the Korean market, the island nation warmly welcomes Korean travelers to discover its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, renowned hospitality, and profound spiritual experiences.