The iconic coastal city of Negombo is set to take centre stage this July with the launch of MMR 25 – TOGETHER, a multi-day beach and city festival that fuses motorsports, music, culture, and sustainability to create a powerful platform for tourism promotion, economic revival, and community engagement.
Organised by the Maris Stella College Old Boys’ Association (OBA) and officially endorsed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the festival runs from July 25 to 27, 2025, and is expected to attract over 6,000 local and international visitors to the West Coast, delivering significant value to the city’s hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors.
“MMR 25 – TOGETHER is more than a celebration—it is an investment in Negombo’s future. By positioning the city as a premier destination for lifestyle, tourism, and cultural heritage, we aim to generate meaningful economic impact for local businesses while inspiring civic pride,” said a representative from the Maris Stella College OBA.
A Festival That Means Business
The festival brings together an elite, affluent audience—including lifestyle seekers, rally enthusiasts, music lovers, influencers, and decision-makers—providing a lucrative environment for brand visibility, partnerships, and B2C engagement.
Key features include:
- MMR TSD Rally Championship – Sri Lanka’s first city-based Time Speed Distance rally covering 60km of scenic terrain, promoting Negombo as a motorsports and tourism hotspot.
- High-profile performances – Leading Sri Lankan bands and international DJs will headline a weekend of music, nightlife, and entertainment, offering unmatched exposure for brand sponsors.
- Multi-tiered hospitality zones – VIP and VVIP packages provide curated spaces for networking and high-value activations, attracting top-tier consumers and stakeholders.
- After-parties and lifestyle experiences – Extending well beyond sunset, the festival’s curated nightlife events at venues like Goldi Sands and Seahorse Negombo offer prolonged brand engagement and footfall.
Anchored in Sustainability and Community
Under the “Oceans Together” initiative, MMR 25 is also a landmark CSR platform focused on coastal conservation and environmental awareness. In partnership with the Negombo Municipal Council, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), and local civil society groups, the festival will mobilize sponsors, schools, and volunteers to carry out beach cleanups, PET bottle collection drives, and city beautification activities throughout the month of July.
Key public events include a community-wide beach cleanup on July 12 and a final post-festival clean-up on July 27 at Goldi Sands—underscoring the festival’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
Honouring Negombo’s Cultural Capital
As part of its cultural programming, “Timeless Together”—a special Hall of Fame-style tribute—will celebrate Negombo’s rich musical heritage, featuring performances from legendary local artists and emerging talents. This effort not only honours the city’s legacy but reinforces its relevance as a creative and cultural destination.
Tourism-Led Economic Impact
Backed by a 97-year-old alumni association with a global footprint across the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, and Australia, the festival serves as a model for diaspora-driven tourism development. It is also aligned with national tourism recovery priorities by showcasing how community institutions and local government can catalyse regional economic growth through place-based experiences.
“By combining sport, culture, entertainment, and environmental action, MMR 25 offers a compelling blueprint for destination branding,” added the spokesperson. “It demonstrates how Negombo can evolve beyond traditional tourism to become a lifestyle capital on the Western coast.”
Festival Highlights at a Glance
July 4–19: Environmental CSR initiatives under Oceans Together
July 12: Public Beach Clean-Up & Waste Awareness Drive
July 25: “Celebrate Negombo” Opening Showcase
July 26: MMR TSD Rally & Main Beach Party (Sunset Jam & Midnight Jam)
July 27: After-Party at Seahorse Negombo + Final Beach Clean-Up
