SERGE BETSEN IN SRI LANKA EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Organized by The Sri Lanka - France Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

Overview

Initiative to Promote Tourism, Sport, Fashion & Culture.

The Sri Lanka–France Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, engaged in an initiative to promote tourism and introduce value-added cultural exchanges through a unique blend of Sports such as French rugby, fashion and culture. The programme was an important step in strengthening ties between France and Sri Lanka, highlighting how tourism, sport, fashion and culture can serve as bridges between nations, strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and France beyond traditional trade and diplomacy. The initiative was endorsed by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

France's Renowned Former Rugby Player Serge Betsen

CAPTAIN OF BIARRITZ OLYMPIQUE CAPTAIN OF L’ÉQUIPE DE FRANCE CAPTAIN OF LONDON WASPS
As part of this program, French rugby great Serge BETSEN
—celebrated as one of France’s most accomplished flankers— visited Sri Lanka for a three-day tour in November 2025.

Tourism Promotion
Tours in Kandy and Galle featuring covered by French media to promote Sri Lanka as a vibrant travel destination.
Fashion and Culture
Aimed to foster synergies between Sri Lankan creativity and French excellence. Through fashion and culture, building bridges that celebrate artistry, heritage, and contemporary expression.

Rugby Coaching Camps
A series of rugby coaching sessions aimed at inspiring and training young Sri Lankan players, through international-level techniques and insights.

Media Press Conference held on the 24th of October 2025

Seated L to R: Niroshani Leanage – Managing Director Mod’Art International Sri Lanka, Andre Fernando – President SLFBC, Philippe FOUET Economic Counsellor Embassy of France

Mr. Andre Fernando, Chairman of the Council, stated, “I and the current committee are confident that the objectives of this project can be achieved as planned. Tourism, a key pillar of our economy, will gain immensely as Mr. Serge Betsen helps showcase the natural beauty of Sri Lanka to the world. Sport, which has the power to bring people together, will come alive again as he shares his experience on and off the field with budding, club, and national-level rugby players through the series of events we have planned.”

Arrival of Serge Betsen at the Bandaranaike International Airport on the 18th of November 2025

Arrival of Serge Betsen at Clove Beach Wadduwa on the 18th of November 2025