Diplomats in Colombo get briefing on Sri Lanka Expo 2027
Daily FT: At the request of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry organised a Diplomatic Briefing on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 recently at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, with the participation of approximately 100 representatives from foreign diplomatic missions based in Colombo and Ambassadors/representatives of foreign missions accredited to Sri Lanka, both physically and virtually.
The briefing was organised to update the diplomatic community on the rescheduled Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and to seek their valuable support in promoting the event among potential buyers, investors, and business communities in their respective countries.
The event commenced with the welcome remarks by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, who welcomed the distinguished gathering and highlighted the importance of collective stakeholder engagement in successfully promoting Sri Lanka Expo 2027 internationally.
Addressing the diplomatic representatives, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised the strategic importance of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic development objectives. The Minister highlighted the role of international partnerships and requested the valuable assistance of foreign missions in attracting suitable buyers, investors, and business delegations to participate in the Expo.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe also emphasised the importance of Sri Lanka Expo 2027 as a platform to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and explore new trade and investment opportunities between Sri Lanka and participating countries. He invited the diplomatic missions to support identifying and connecting relevant business communities to maximise mutual benefits arising from the event.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara expressed her appreciation to all foreign missions for the continuous support and cooperation extended to Sri Lanka in achieving national development objectives. She highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between Sri Lanka and the international community in promoting trade, investment, and economic partnerships.
A comprehensive presentation on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 was delivered by Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe. The presentation covered the objectives of the Expo, key focus areas, expected outcomes, participation opportunities, and strategies to attract international buyers, investors, and business partners.
Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is positioned as Sri Lanka’s premier international trade, investment, and business networking platform, bringing together Sri Lankan exporters, global buyers, investors, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The Expo, which was originally planned for 2026, has been rescheduled to be held from 14 to 17 January 2027 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. The decision to reschedule was taken considering global economic conditions, logistics cost fluctuations, and recommendations from key stakeholders to ensure a more impactful and successful international event.
The EDB continues to work closely with Sri Lanka Missions overseas, foreign diplomatic missions, chambers, industry associations, and other stakeholders to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and attract high-quality buyers, investors, and business visitors from priority markets.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka Expo 2027 presents a timely platform to showcase the growing business/investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka to the global business community. As the country advances its economic recovery and reform agenda, foreign businesses/investors can explore business/investment opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including export manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, information technology, agribusiness, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Strategically located at the heart of major Indian Ocean shipping routes, Sri Lanka offers businesses/investors access to key regional and global markets, supported by modern port infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a competitive business environment. Ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign direct investment are further enhancing the country’s appeal as an investment destination. Foreign businesses/investors can also benefit from partnerships and joint ventures with Sri Lankan enterprises, leveraging local expertise while accessing new markets and supply chains. With increasing economic stability and a strong focus on export-led growth, Sri Lanka is well positioned to serve as a regional hub for trade, investment, and innovation. Sri Lanka Expo 2027 will provide an ideal opportunity for international buyers, investors, and business leaders to engage directly with Sri Lankan companies, explore emerging opportunities, and build long-term commercial partnerships.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260706Z_2 |