SriLankan Airlines is joining forces with the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo (GMSC) to champion the performing arts in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment through support for the upcoming Spring Concert, slated for 29 March 2025 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. This prestigious event will showcase the talents of acclaimed Sri Lankan classical guitarist Jude Peiris, along with distinguished Japanese guest artists Hiroshi Kogure and Miyuki Funatsu.
As the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines remains deeply dedicated to celebrating both Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage and classical Western traditions. This collaboration reflects the airline’s ongoing mission to nurture local talent and spotlight Sri Lanka’s cultural richness on the global stage.
Commenting on the initiative, Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial at SriLankan Airlines, highlighted the broader significance of the arts in tourism:
“As Sri Lanka emerges as a leading travel destination, the development of performing arts and high-calibre productions offers immense potential to enrich our tourism offerings. Cultural tourism is a growing global trend, and with continued investment in music, theatre, and dance, Sri Lanka stands poised to captivate visitors seeking immersive cultural experiences.”
Deepal Perera, Manager of Corporate Communications, further elaborated:
“Our role as a national airline goes beyond connecting destinations—it’s also about connecting cultures. Through our partnership with the GMSC, we facilitate a vibrant exchange of musical traditions between Sri Lanka and the world. We strongly believe in the potential of Sri Lankan talent and are proud to create platforms that enable our artists to shine on the international stage. This partnership, now in its third year, continues to grow stronger, and we are excited about what lies ahead as the GMSC expands its reach.”
Srimal Weerasinghe, Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Gustav Mahler Orchestra of Colombo, praised the ongoing collaboration:
“It’s been a tremendous honour to have SriLankan Airlines as our Official Airline Partner over the past three years. Since 2023, the airline has supported our vision of establishing a professional orchestra in Sri Lanka, playing a vital role in facilitating visits from international musicians and contributing to the global recognition of Sri Lankan orchestras. Their support has been instrumental in driving the success of our mission.”
With six successful collaborations under their belt, SriLankan Airlines continues to stand as a true ambassador for the arts. The airline also partners with numerous local organizations and foreign diplomatic missions, reinforcing its dedication to fostering the performing arts in Sri Lanka and promoting cultural exchange worldwide.
