Sri Lanka is moving to introduce a Single Window approval mechanism for foreign film productions in a bid to simplify the permit process and boost the country’s film tourism sector.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday.
The initiative follows a decision by the Presidential Task Force on the Implementation of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Programme.
At present, foreign producers seeking to film movies, documentaries, commercials, music videos and other audiovisual content in Sri Lanka are required to obtain approvals from multiple government institutions, often resulting in lengthy delays.
Officials discussed establishing a structured Single Window approval system to streamline the process, while also identifying potential implementation challenges, measures to address them and a timeline for introducing the new mechanism.
The government expects the new system to make Sri Lanka a more attractive destination for international film and audiovisual productions, while improving the competitiveness of the country’s film industry.
Representatives from several ministries, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the National Film Corporation, the Army, Air Force and other government institutions attended the meeting. (Newswire)