Sri Lanka is set to introduce a Single Window approval mechanism for foreign film productions to simplify the permit process and strengthen the country’s film tourism industry.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday, following a decision by the Presidential Task Force on the Implementation of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Programme.
Currently, international filmmakers producing movies, documentaries, television commercials, music videos and other audiovisual content in Sri Lanka must obtain approvals from several government institutions, a process that often leads to significant delays.
Officials at the meeting reviewed plans to establish a streamlined Single Window approval system, while also discussing possible implementation challenges, solutions and a timeline for rolling out the new mechanism.
The government expects the initiative to improve the ease of doing business for international production companies, position Sri Lanka as a more attractive filming destination and enhance the global competitiveness of the country’s film industry.
The discussion was attended by representatives from several ministries and state institutions, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the National Film Corporation, the Sri Lanka Army, the Sri Lanka Air Force and other relevant government agencies.
