WOW Colombo
The first-ever WOW Festival in Sri Lanka took place in Colombo from 2-3 December 2017 at the National Film Corporation, bringing together artists, thinkers, community leaders and young people from across the country for a rich and vibrant weekend of ideas, connection and creative action.
The programme included powerful discussions, performances and workshops. Panels included Women at Work, Right to Reflect, and No More Taboo. The festival also hosted WOW Bites – short, impactful talks from everyday women sharing their personal stories – and WOW Speed Mentoring, where audiences could connect with role models from different sectors. Workshops addressed topics including cyber-exploitation, self-kindness, and gender stereotyping.
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WOW Colombo featured film screenings, dance, and performances from artists such as Eva Priyanka Wegener and Thuya Maruppom, alongside emerging voices from across Sri Lanka’s creative communities.
WOW Colombo fostered intergenerational learning and solidarity. It opened up necessary conversations across class, caste, ethnicity and gender identity – bridging divides and nurturing a culture of respect, resilience and celebration.
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About the organisers
WOW Colombo was produced by the British Council, the UK’s cultural relations organisation, alongside a local production team. The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.
