Leading News from Sri Lanka

Amitabh Bachchan in Colombo

Sri Lanka may be dubbed as a small country but it is a country with a big heart, said Icon of Bollywood cinema Amitabh Bachchan when he visited Sri Lanka yesterday(20/April/2010), as the Brand Ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) to endorse Sri Lanka as the host for IFFA Awards which will be held in Colombo from June 3 to 5.

The IIFA weekend which will comprise events such as the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum, the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza, the IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket match, world premieres of Indian films and IIFA Film Workshop will also take place along side the 11th IIFA Awards.

The main attraction of the lineup, the awards ceremony, will be held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on June 5.


The IIFA Awards is the biggest South Asian media event and is broadcast to 600 million across 110 countries.


Speaking at the event Bachchan stated that the event not only takes Indian cinema to the world but also opens doors to exchange of technology and interaction with some of the publics’ favourite stars.


“I admire the manner in which Sri Lanka is trying to integrate harmony and peace among its ethnic and cultural groups in the country. It sets a wonderful example to the world and I would certainly encourage many others to visit the country and explore what it has to offer to them,” he said.


Former Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda, Tourism Ministry Secretary K.A.D. George Michael, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, IIFA Director Sabbas Joseph, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya, artistes Ravindra Randeniya, Jackson Anthony and Sri lankan born Indian actress Jacqueline Fernandez also spoke.