Bentota, Sri Lanka – March 31, 2025 – Cinnamon Bentota Beach - Signature Selection is set to launch the Signature Weekends, a series of curated events and immersive experiences designed to celebrate art, culture, and heritage. Powered by HSBC Sri Lanka and Mastercard Sri Lanka and with Wijeya Newspapers as the official media partner, this initiative debuts with a special weekend featuring acclaimed Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta, from April 25 th – 27 th , 2025.

Earning an Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category for Water (2005), Deepa Mehta is renowned for her socially impactful and visually compelling films, including the ‘Elements Trilogy’ – Fire(1996), Earth(1998), Water(2005) and Salman Rushdie’s ‘Midnight Children’ (2012). Her connection to Sri Lanka runs deep, with ‘Water’ filmed on the island, she later returned to direct Funny Boy (2020), the original Canadian contender for the Oscar for Best International Film and winner of three Canadian Screen Awards, based on Shyam Selvadurai’s book of the same name.

The Signature Weekend will showcase three of Mehta’s films—Water, Midnight’s Children, and Funny Boy—all of which were filmed partially or entirely in Sri Lanka and highlight the contributions of Sri Lankan talent. The event will also include panel discussions, a masterclass on filmmaking and curated visits to film locations. Guests participating in the event will be invited to an exclusive meet & greet experience with the filmmaker herself, with custom menus inspired by the themes and locales of her work.

The launch of the Signature Weekends highlights the resort’s commitment to creating luxury bespoke experiences rooted in Sri Lanka’s artistic legacy. From the architectural brilliance of Geoffrey Bawa and the design works of celebrated artists such as Ena De Silva and Ismath Rahim, the resort is the perfect backdrop for cultural celebrations. Signature Weekends extends this legacy, inviting guests to engage with the island’s rich cultural tapestry in a setting that blends history with contemporary luxury.

Speaking on the event, Johan Aschan, Area Vice President of Sri Lanka Resorts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager of Cinnamon Bentota Beach, remarked,

"Signature Weekends are crafted to offer a rich and immersive platform for conversations spanning art, culture, gastronomy, and bespoke experiences that elevate both the Signature Selection experience we offer and the destination we are a part of. We are honoured to begin this journey with Deepa Mehta, whose cinematic work has made a lasting impact on global audiences while holding a deep connection with Sri Lanka.

Signature Weekends are powered by HSBC Sri Lanka and Mastercard Sri Lanka, whose dedication to arts and culture helps shape these enriching experiences. This partnership provides exclusive access to curated cultural events, celebrating Sri Lanka’s influence on global cinema, literature, and the arts while enhancing value for HSBC Premier customers and Mastercard cardholders.

For more information on the upcoming Signature Weekend and future events at Cinnamon
Bentota Beach – Signature Selection and to book the slots, visit

https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamon-bentota-beach/signature-events.

About Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection
Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection is a premier luxury resort under the Cinnamon Hotels; Resorts portfolio, recognized for its curated experiences and commitment to personalized hospitality. Nestled between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, the resort is an architectural masterpiece designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication.

With 159 rooms, including 16 uniquely themed suites, the resort offers a range of bespoke accommodations that reflect Sri Lanka’s artistic and cultural heritage. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences, from Ottimo, a specialty Italian restaurant, and Zest, an all-day dining venue, to Sea Meats Spice, a coastal-inspired seafood restaurant, and Café Comida, a relaxed café setting.

The resort’s vibrant bar scene includes Drench pool bar, Fuze bar, and Bloom House, each offering distinctive atmospheres for unwinding and socializing. For those seeking adventure, Cinnamon Bentota Beach –Signature Selection features a dedicated water sports centre, providing an array of activities that make the most of its stunning coastal location.