MMR 26 to boost Negombo’s hospitality, SME and tourism economy

The Maris Motor Rally 2026 (MMR 26) is set to return this August with a stronger focus on tourism, community engagement and economic development, positioning Negombo as a vibrant weekend destination for local and international visitors.

Organised by the Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo, MMR 26 will bring together motorsport, international music entertainment, hotel and restaurant partnerships, destination experiences and year-round corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives under one platform.

The event is expected to generate wider economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, small vendors, youth groups and community-based businesses in Negombo.

The main MMR 26 TSD Rally will commence on 1 August at 8.00 a.m. from the Maris Stella College premises, with an expected audience of around 2,000 spectators.

The MMR 26 Together official music festival will be held on 1 August from 4.00 p.m. at Jetwing Blue, with an expected audience of around 8,000. The weekend celebrations will conclude with an after-party on 2 August at Tuk Tuk Wine & Dine.

A key highlight of this year’s festival will be the performance by Australian-based internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute show Björn Again, which was created in Melbourne in 1988 and has toured globally.

MMR 26 will also introduce a One Pass visitor scheme, where the QR code on event tickets will provide access to exclusive discounts and offers from partner hotels, restaurants and selected tourism experiences across Negombo.

“Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery needs strong destination-level experiences that connect visitors with local communities. MMR 26 is not only a rally or a music festival; it is a platform to promote Negombo as a complete weekend economy covering hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transport, small businesses and community initiatives,” said Dhammika Fernando, President of the Maris Stella College OBA.

MMR 26 will continue its CSR and community development initiatives throughout the year. The organisers have already installed six PET bottle collection points at prominent locations, conducted a major beach cleanup with over 1,000 participants at Negombo Beach, completed the first phase of the Negombo Fort restoration project in partnership with the Negombo Municipal Council, and supported cleaning initiatives around key tourist attractions including the Negombo Jetty area.

The organisers also donated 200 lunch packets to the Negombo Municipal Council in support of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.

“Negombo has the natural advantage of being close to the airport, having a strong hotel base, a rich cultural identity and a vibrant coastal economy. Through MMR 26, our objective is to help convert these strengths into real income opportunities for the local community while creating a positive image for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector,” Fernando added.