COLOMBO is preparing to become the cultural capital of South Asia for nine extraordinary days, as organisers of India Week 2026 unveiled a sweeping programme of events that spans fashion, cinema, cuisine, Bollywood entertainment, and serious high-level business dialogue. Running from 11 to 18 March 2026, the event has already attracted significant institutional backing and public excitement in equal measure.
The announcement that Home Lands — one of Sri Lanka’s most respected names in real estate — would serve as Official Title Sponsor was greeted with considerable fanfare. Equally significant is the confirmation of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Life, and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo as Official Hospitality Partners, lending the week a distinctly world-class character.
Perhaps most tellingly, the event carries the formal endorsement of the High Commission of India in Colombo — a mark of diplomatic recognition that elevates India Week 2026 beyond a commercial event into something with genuine national significance for both countries.
‘A Shared Vision’: The Home Lands Partnership
Organisers describe the partnership with Home Lands as a meeting of minds as much as a commercial arrangement. “This exciting partnership brings together a shared vision of celebrating culture, business, fashion, and entertainment on one dynamic platform,” they said in a statement. “Homelands will power one of the most anticipated international events taking place in Sri Lanka.”
The company joins a distinguished group of supporters that includes Platinum Sponsors Odel, First Capital, ZAM Gems, and Bally’s Colombo, alongside media partners Daily Mirror, The Sunday Times, Daily FT, and Hi!!. The event also has the institutional support of the Indian CEO Forum and the Indian Alliance.
Cinnamon Hotels Bring Five-Star Prestige to the Partnership
The decision to bring three of Colombo’s most iconic hotels on board as Official Hospitality Partners has been widely seen as a coup for organisers. Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Life, and Cinnamon Lakeside together represent some of the finest hospitality the island has to offer, and their involvement is expected to significantly enhance the India Week experience for both local and international attendees.
The premium business forums on 15 March are to be hosted at the Celestine Ballroom, Cinnamon Life — a venue that has swiftly become synonymous with Colombo’s most prestigious gatherings. Entry to all four forums is free, with registration open to the public.
“What promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, cinema, cuisine, fashion, business, and youth engagement.”
— Geethika Weerakoon, Chief Organiser, India Week 2026
A Full Week of Events: Something for Everyone
The India Week 2026 programme is deliberately broad in its ambition, designed to draw audiences from across the social and professional spectrum. It opens with the India Week Premiere — a grand opening ceremony that sets the celebratory tone for the days ahead.
Fashion enthusiasts will flock to India Fashion Week, a dazzling showcase featuring renowned designers and models presenting both contemporary and traditional Indian couture. The week also includes an Indian Film Festival celebrating the breadth of Indian cinema, and an India Restaurant Experience — a curated culinary journey through India’s rich and complex gastronomic traditions, led by top chefs. Rounding out the cultural offerings is an Indian High Tea Experience, blending tradition with modern refinement.
The entertainment centrepiece is, without doubt, Bollywood Night — an electrifying evening of music, dance, and dazzling performances that organisers say will be unlike anything Colombo has witnessed. Tickets for both India Fashion Week and Bollywood Night are now on sale through Ticket Ministry, and early demand is expected to be fierce.
Boardrooms and Ballrooms: The 15 March Forums
On Saturday, 15 March, the Celestine Ballroom at Cinnamon Life will host a full day of forums covering hospitality, youth entrepreneurship, investment, and executive strategy — all free to attend and open to registration.
The day begins with the Hospitality Forum (9–11 AM), themed around Tourism Collaboration and Experience-Led Growth, drawing hospitality leaders, tourism professionals, and aviation executives. It continues with the Youth Forum (11:30 AM–1:30 PM), which gathers startup founders, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders under the theme Empowering Youth for the Future.
The afternoon sees the Investor Forum (2–4 PM) bring fund managers, investors and strategy leaders together under the theme Stronger Sri Lanka–India Partnership for Shared Growth. The day concludes with the CEO Forum (5–7:30 PM) — the signature business event of India Week, where CEOs, Managing Directors and Senior Executives tackle Strategic Business Partnerships for Growth in what promises to be a high-octane evening of networking and deal-making.
Chief Organiser Speaks: ‘An Unforgettable Celebration’
Geethika Weerakoon, Chief Organiser of India Week 2026, expressed her enthusiasm for what lies ahead. “As the countdown to India Week 2026 begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, cinema, cuisine, fashion, business, and youth engagement,” she said.
“The collaboration with Cinnamon Hotels not only enhances the event’s prestige but also reflects the commitment to creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and mutual growth,” Weerakoon added. “Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this landmark event.”
Organisers believe India Week 2026 will firmly establish Sri Lanka as a regional hub for global experiences, fostering a new chapter of collaboration and partnership between the two nations — one built on culture, commerce, and a genuine spirit of friendship.
