SL positioned as a hub for int’l biz events: PM

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the ‘Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025’ is a great opportunity to engage in business activities at the international level but also a valuable platform to bring the name of Sri Lanka onto the global stage.

Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025’ exhibition organised by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism held yesterday (23) at Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo, the PM’s Office said.

This exhibition is scheduled to be held for five days with the participation of 100 representatives from 30 countries.

The objective of SL MICE Expo 2025 is to establish Sri Lanka as a leading destination in the “MICE” (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for both local and international MICE stakeholders to showcase and promote their services, products, and capabilities.

“This is not merely an event, but an opportunity for our local entrepreneurs and stakeholders to directly engage in international business activities and to gain knowledge. Such events create opportunities for Sri Lanka to become a destination for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions,” Amarasuriya said.

The Prime Minister also stated that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues to play a vital role in the national economy, with officials noting that the sector generated $ 3.1 billion in revenue in 2024.

By August this year alone, earnings had already reached $ 2.3 billion. Tourism remains the country’s third-largest foreign exchange earner, contributing not only to economic growth but also to broader transformation within the national economy, Amarasuriya said.

Amarasuriya further highlighted that Sri Lanka’s values, its strategic geographical location, and strong connectivity with Asia, the Gulf, Western Asia, and beyond, position it as a unique hub for international business events.

Alongside this, the island’s diverse natural beauty, centuries-old cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality are said to provide international business communities with a remarkable experience, Amarasuriya added.

It was also emphasised that the exhibition serves as an important platform to enhance ties between international buyers and local suppliers, the statement added.

Amarasuriya commended the contribution made by this exhibition, organised by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism together with, to uplift the economy by establishing Sri Lanka as a MICE hub.

The event was attended by Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairperson Dheera Hettiarachchi, Acting General Manager Achini Dandunnage, officials of the institution, and a number of foreign representatives from 30 countries also participated in this event.

Source: The morning