A successful series of high-profile events, led by the visit of legendary French international rugby player and coach Serge BETSEN, concluded last night, marking a significant step in promoting Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism and manufacturing hub while strengthening bilateral relations with France.

Ahead of the formal engagements, Serge BETSEN embarked on a curated tour of Sri Lanka accompanied by a French media team. The group explored key attractions across the island, capturing cinematic footage, cultural experiences, and in-depth interviews aimed at highlighting Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offering to the French market.

The coverage, set to air across French media platforms, is expected to boost the country’s international visibility and reinforce its appeal as a premier destination for sustainable and experiential travel.

The three-day visit, held from 18 to 20 November, commenced with elite rugby training sessions in Kandy and Colombo. Serge BETSEN personally mentored young Sri Lankan athletes, sharing principles of resilience, discipline, and mental fortitude that shaped his celebrated career.

The visit culminated in a spectacular Wine Evening and Fashion Show organised in collaboration with Mod’Art International, with Serge BETSEN as Special Guest. The event, hosted by Tharindu Ameresekere, featured addresses by the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and SLFBC President Andre Fernando, who spoke on resilience and the value of cross-cultural partnerships.

The initiative was supported by a strong network of corporate partners. Platinum Sponsors included MAC Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Antiquity – Simply Unusual, Clove Beach Wadduwa, and Legends and Paradise. Gold Sponsors were Dialog, La Maison de Colombo, Mastercard, Michelin by DIMO, See Lanka, and Teejay.

By highlighting Sri Lanka’s capacity for sustainable tourism and manufacturing excellence, the events are expected to encourage deeper commercial partnerships and long-term investment, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.