The feeling of a live show is surreal. When the bass hits you in the chest, when everyone is moving to the same rhythm, for a few hours, all the noise in the world just disappears. You’re transported. That’s the magic of live music, and it’s a magic that Dilain and his close friends, Akash, Dion, Isha and Hareen wanted to create through Serendisco. It is their mission to give back to their home, Sri Lanka. To put Sri Lanka on the Global Music Map.

“The dream is to meet a tourist here in a few years and ask what brought them. For them to say, ‘My favourite artist was playing at this amazing festival, and I follow them everywhere.’ To have built something that becomes a real reason for people to visit our country… that’s the ultimate goal,” Dilain states.

The Serendisco vibe, euphoric and unforgettable
So, what exactly is the feeling Serendisco is trying to create?
“I want people to leave feeling euphoric,” Dilain explains. “I want them to step back into Colombo after experiencing Serendisco and feel like they were transported somewhere else entirely. It’s about being positive, freeing, and just letting loose. We’re creating a space where your sister, your friends who are ‘done with clubbing,’ and everyone in between can feel comfortable, have a great time, and just dance.”
This philosophy is baked into the very name. ‘Serendisco’ is a nod to ‘Serendib’, Sri Lanka’s old name, which also gifted the world the word ‘serendipity’. “It’s one of the most positive words in the English language,” says Dilain. “It’s that beautiful, unexpected joy. And the word ‘disco’ is all about the dance floor, the disco ball, letting your body move. We’re bringing that serendipitous joy to the dance floor, right here at home.” 

Not just another concert but a truly immersive experience 
Having experienced major festivals abroad, the team knew Serendisco had to be more than just a concert.
“At a concert, there’s one main quest: you stand in front of the stage,” Dilain says. “A true music festival is defined by its side quests. You branch off and discover cool things. That’s what we’re building.”
This year, they’re investing in 3D immersive art installations, including a stunning, centrally-located interpretation of the ‘Tree of Life’ that will captivate with lights and colour. There will be festival face painting, unique merchandise and a focus on creating those beautiful little moments around every corner.

The sound, nostalgia mixed with global beats
The musical heartbeat of Serendisco is house music, the world’s fastest-growing genre. But not just any house music. “Sri Lankans are nostalgic,” Dilain says. “We love to hear an old song we grew up with, remixed with a fresh, energetic house beat. It really hits the spot.” 

He points to the foundation laid by previous international headlining artists. Klingande, a pioneer of tropical house, filled the venue with his iconic live melodies. Offaiah and Belt & Wezol, each bringing their own explosive, sing-along energy to the stage. "They weren't just any DJs," Dilain explains. "They were artists with massive, global hit songs. They knew how to read the room and keep the energy on the dance floor absolutely electric.” 

This year’s Mystery Artist that matches our vibe 

Now let’s talk about the star of this year’s show, the mystery headliner is none other than Dombresky AKA Disco Dom. “We fought extremely hard for him,” Dilain reveals. “We were in a bidding war with Australia and won. This isn’t an artist past his peak; he’s peaking right now.”

Dombresky is a global phenomenon, famous for his funky, energetic disco-house sets that twist classic hits into modern dance anthems. This year alone, he’s played at the main stages of Coachella, Tomorrowland, and EDC. Oh, and he’s also the mind behind the official remix of Taylor Swift’s “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.” 

“He’s the perfect fit for Serendisco,” Dilain adds. “He brings that colour, vibrancy, and pure joy to the stage. Bringing an artist of his calibre, at this moment in his career, is a statement. It shows the world we are serious.”

A platform for homegrown talent
The Serendisco lineup is always a mix of international stars and the best of Sri Lanka’s own talent. This year features Clifford Isaac, Saveen B2B Shamika (Stereoculture), Sick Leave, Budz, who has been performing at all of Serendisco’s festivals, lunatics and Sarini, who is making waves in Australia but is coming home for the festival.

“It’s vital for us to be a platform,” Dilain stresses. “We want to spotlight the local talent pool and help grow the entire creative ecosystem here.”

Your invitation to the dance floor
With a limited capacity and tickets selling fast, the question is, what can you expect? “You can expect a high-quality, attention-to-detail festival,” Dilain promises. “Every corner has intention. It will be vibrant, colourful, and absorbing. If you’re stressed about work, I guarantee you’ll forget it all. You will dance. You will let loose. You will have a damn good time.”

“And what it won’t be? It won’t be half-hearted. It won’t be dull, serious or monotonous. We are actively working to avoid anything that creates a negative vibe. This is about good vibes and positive energy.”

The Five-Year Dream

Looking ahead, Dilain’s vision is expansive. “In five years, we want Serendisco to be a multi-day festival with multiple stages. We want different chefs to showcase culinary art, more local artists and a true carnival of Sri Lankan creativity. We made a commitment in our first year to bring ‘Fred Again’ to Sri Lanka within five years. That dream is very much alive.”

“When people think of Coachella in the USA or Tomorrowland in Belgium, I want them to think of Serendisco in Sri Lanka. It is not just hosting an event for us, we’re building a landmark. We’re giving our people a reason to stay and celebrate and giving the world a new reason to visit.”

“So, count on us. Show up with your friends. We’ll make sure you have a good time.”

Serendisco Music Festival 2025 takes place at Cinnamon Life on the 20th of December. Tickets are selling fast. Don't miss your chance to be part of the moment. Grab yours at serendisco.rush.lk before they’re gone.