The skies over Galle Face burst into a riot of colour as Sri Lanka’s International Kite Festival returned after a six year hiatus recently, drawing hundreds of vibrant kites and a global audience. It was originally launched in 2015 as part of the Lokaya Saha Lokayo programme.
More than 500 local participants joined 55 international kite flyers from 25 countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, Australia, China, Thailand, South Korea, India and Singapore.
Unique designs shaped like elephants, leopards, pandas, snakes, sunflowers and comic characters filled the city skyline, captivating both residents and tourists.
The festival celebrated creativity and tradition, while aiming to strengthen Colombo’s image as a cultural hub and international tourist destination.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in partnership with Derana Media Network, the 2025 edition marked its most ambitious return, blending kite flying with cultural showcases of music, dance and local cuisine.
The festival joins the ranks of iconic global events such as India’s Gujarat Festival, China’s Weifang Festival and France’s Dieppe Festival, positioning Sri Lanka on the world map of kite culture and cultural diplomacy.
