Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that 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.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inauguration ceremony of the SRI LANKA MICE EXPO 2025 exhibition organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism held on September 23 at Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo.
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.
The Prime Minister further stated:
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.
Tourism holds a highly significant place in the Sri Lankan economy. In 2024, tourism generated USD 3.1 billion in revenue, while by August of this year alone, USD 2.3 billion had already been earned for the national economy. Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange-earning sector, contributing not only to economic development but also to positive transformation in the national economy.
The values, geographical location of Sri Lanka, and connectivity with Asia, the Gulf, Western Asia, and beyond, have made it a unique destination for international business events. In addition, the country’s diverse natural beauty, centuries old cultural heritage, and hospitality offer international business communities a truly remarkable experience.
This exhibition is also an excellent platform to strengthen connections between international buyers and local suppliers.
The Prime Minister commended the contribution made by this exhibition, organized 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 the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Acting General Manager Ms. Achini Dandunnage, officials of the institution, and a number of foreign representatives from 30 countries also participated in this event.