SICFF Overview
SICFF has a strong infrastructure capable of hosting large events and aims to become more internationally recognized. The festival hopes to bring in more global events to attract tourists, especially as many European, Asian, and African artists are eager to showcase their talents in Sri Lanka but currently lack opportunities. There is also a growing interest among Europeans and Asians in Sri Lankan culture, and SICFF aims to provide them with a platform to visit the country, learn our dance forms, and experience our traditions. By strengthening cultural ties and building global friendships, the festival seeks to support the development of tourism and create meaningful cultural exchanges. Additionally, sharing our projects internationally will help bring foreign exchange and further elevate Sri Lanka on the global cultural map.
Connecting Sri Lankan Artists to the World
Local dance and music artists in Sri Lanka, who play a vital role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage, often face challenges due to limited exposure and opportunities to connect with international artists and organizations. By creating platforms for these artists to grow, they can become more socially engaged, foster better integration within both local and global artistic communities, and gain international recognition. Additionally, such opportunities allow them to study and learn from international dance and music practices, further enriching their skills and cultural contributions.
Off-Season Tourism: Opportunities for Growth
Tourist hotels, restaurants, guides, drivers, and related businesses, along with both government and private sector stakeholders in the tourism industry, play a crucial role in promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. This includes transportation services for individuals and groups, as well as small and medium-scale tourism entrepreneurs. By focusing on strategies to attract tourists during the off-seasons, these stakeholders can help sustain tourism activity year-round and contribute significantly to the national economy.
Goals for Cultural Promotion and Tourism Growth
Our goals include attracting 5,000 visitors and artists within the next two years and increasing tourist arrivals by 10,000–15,000 annually over the following three years through our projects. Sri Lanka, as a country rich in culture, heritage, natural resources, and unique experiences, offers immense potential for tourism growth. We aim to promote events and Sri Lankan traditional culture, as well as share international dance and traditions worldwide through the IOV WORLD platform. Additionally, our initiatives focus on uplifting local artists and handicraft artisans while nurturing schoolchildren to become skilled journalists trained to national and international standards.
Message from the Founder
As the Founder and President of the Sri Lanka International Cultural Folk Festival (SICFF), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our official website. SICFF was established with a vision to celebrate cultural diversity, promote global harmony, and provide a platform for sharing traditional arts with the world.
Our festival proudly collaborates with respected international organizations such as IOV World, UNESCO, ECOSOC, and the World Artistic Dance Federation (WADF), reinforcing our mission to preserve cultural heritage and foster meaningful international exchange.
Through SICFF, we bring together folk artists, dancers, musicians, and cultural ambassadors from across the globe, creating a vibrant space for learning, friendship, and unity. I warmly invite you to explore our activities, join our events, and become part of our growing global cultural family.
Tharindu Dananjaya
Founder & President, SICFF
