Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Sanjaya Gunawardana - Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sampath Bank PLC; Rajeev Pandithage - Executive Director, DIMO; Linda Speldewinde - Founder and Chairperson, AOD; and Kamal Munasinghe - Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.

Sri Lanka Announces Three-Year Vision and Strategic Partner Alignment Through 2028

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka (MBFW Sri Lanka) has unveiled an ambitious three-year strategic roadmap through 2028, signalling strong institutional confidence in the country’s fashion and creative economy. The announcement confirms key long-term partnerships and provides the market with forward visibility as the platform continues to position Colombo as an emerging creative capital in South Asia.

The upcoming editions of MBFW Sri Lanka are scheduled for:

• 6 - 11 October 2026
• 5 - 10 October 2027
• 3 - 8 October 2028

The multi-year calendar reinforces the platform’s stability and international intent, enabling designers, buyers, media, and global collaborators to plan with greater confidence.

AOD - DIMO Alliance Powers Next Phase of Growth

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka continues to be presented by AOD and powered by DIMO, a partnership that has steadily strengthened the platform’s global credibility and operational scale.

DIMO, the only Authorised agent for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka, plays a pivotal role in connecting the local platform to the wider Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ecosystem worldwide. The deepening collaboration between AOD and DIMO signals a shared long-term commitment to elevating Sri Lanka’s fashion industry onto the regional and global stage.

Linda Speldewinde, Founder & Chairperson of AOD and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka, stated:

“This three-year announcement reflects confidence, continuity, and global ambition. With the strong support of our partners and our deepening partnership with DIMO, we are building Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka into a serious regional platform that creates sustained opportunity for the industry.”

Mercedes-Benz Deepens its Sri Lanka Footprint

Under the three-year roadmap, the Mercedes-Benz platform in Sri Lanka will continue to expand its integration across fashion, design, mobility, and future lifestyle conversations.

The initiative builds on the global Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week philosophy of intelligent luxury and innovation, positioning Sri Lanka as an increasingly important node within the wider network.

Future editions will focus on:

• Strengthening buyer and retail engagement for local designers
• Expanding international designer participation
• Deepening thought leadership programming
• Building cross-industry collaboration across fashion, mobility, and creative technology
• Positioning Colombo as a year-round creative destination

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams as Official Host Venue

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams as the Official Host Venue, places MBFW Sri Lanka at the centre of Colombo’s most significant integrated lifestyle development.

The collaboration reflects strong alignment between MBFW Sri Lanka’s global ambitions and Cinnamon Life’s positioning as a premier destination for culture, entertainment, and luxury experiences. Both organisations will work closely to deliver an elevated October 2026 edition while continuing to explore future opportunities as the platform

scales regionally.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka has already played a pivotal role in activating Cinnamon Life’s cultural and lifestyle positioning during its landmark opening phase. 

Sampath Bank Private Banking Anchors Partnership

At the forefront of the announcement is Sampath Bank Private Banking, continuing as the Official Banking Partner, reflecting the Bank’s sustained commitment to supporting platforms that shape Sri Lanka’s evolving creative economy. This ongoing collaboration signals a growing recognition of fashion and design as meaningful contributors to the country’s economic and cultural landscape.

Through this partnership, Sampath Bank Private Banking will support the platform’s continued expansion while helping unlock new commercial opportunities across fashion, retail, and creative entrepreneurship, reinforcing its role in enabling sectors that influence contemporary lifestyle and aspiration.

Wijeya Newspapers Ltd Named Exclusive Media Partner

Strengthening the platform’s national reach, Wijeya Newspapers Ltd has been appointed Official Exclusive Media Partner for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka.

Through this partnership, the event will receive extensive multi-platform coverage across the Wijeya media network, including the Daily FT, The Daily Mirror, The Sunday Times and The Sun, Hi!! Magazine, Daily Mirror Online, Hi!! TV and Hi!! Online. The collaboration ensures strong editorial visibility, lifestyle positioning, and nationwide audience engagement in the lead-up to and during the event.