A discussion with relevant stakeholders on establishing a Single-Window approval mechanism for Sri Lanka’s film tourism sector was held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. 

The meeting, held on Tuesday (30) afternoon, was convened following a decision taken at the meeting of the Presidential Task Force on the Implementation of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Programme to establish the Single-Window approval mechanism, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

It was noted that applicants seeking approval to produce foreign films, documentaries, commercials, music videos and other productions in Sri Lanka are currently required to obtain permits from several government institutions. As a result, the approval process has become lengthy and subject to significant delays, it said. 

Accordingly, extensive discussions were held on implementing a structured framework for establishing a Single Window approval mechanism to streamline the approval process.

The meeting also focused on reaching a common consensus on the proposed mechanism, identifying potential challenges that may arise during its implementation, determining appropriate measures to address those challenges and agreeing on a timeline for implementation, the statement said.

The successful introduction of the Single Window approval mechanism is expected to position Sri Lanka as a more attractive global destination for film and other audiovisual productions, while enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s film industry, the PMD added.

Among those present were Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage; Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dhammika K. Wijesinghe; Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, T. Anoja Gamage; Conservator General of Forests, W.W.M.P.S.C. Palamakumbura; Director (Development) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, W.M.A.S. Wickramasinghe; Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sanjaya Niroshana; Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo; Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal V.B. Edirisinghe; General Manager of the National Film Corporation, Ruwan Premaweera; together with officials from the relevant government institutions, senior officers of the security forces and key stakeholders from the tourism and film industries.

--PMD--