Sri Lanka, ideal destination for Indian filmmakers: Bachchan

"When I go back. I will speak to the people in the Indian film industry about this country and the potential of undertaking film shooting," Bachchan, the brand ambassador of IIFA awards starting from June 3-5, said.

Touched by the warm welcome accorded to him since his arrival this morning, Bachchan said, "This may be a small nation but the people's heart is big. I don't feel we must think it as a small country."

"I know I am going to be pampered when I come here," Bachchan said referring to his visit in June for the award ceremony.

"On behalf of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), we are very happy to bring the IIFA experience to our hospitable neighbour, Sri Lanka," he said."As a member of the film industry, I look forward to another luminous decade, as IIFA journeys forth, sharing the Indian cinematic movement with the world and simultaneously share with the world, the emerald isle, Sri Lanka," Bachchan told the jam-packed audience.
The 67-year-old star also met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was keen that the actor be taken to various tourists spots though it was decided to undertake the same during his next visit.

"May be when I come next time I can take an helicopter tour or travel through the roads to look at this beautiful country," Bachchan said.

The 11th edition of IIFA will be a "culmination of mega events that brings Indian cinema to the world," said a release."The forum is an endeavour to bridge boundaries between India and Sri Lanka and will be used to further trade opportunities and cinema between India and Sri Lanka," the release said.