Colombo, 9th January 2026 – The Sri Lanka Export Development Board held a media conference to officially launch “Sri Lanka Expo 2026” aimed at promoting Sri Lanka’s export potential and investment opportunities. The official website for the exhibition, www.srilankaexpo.lk, was also launched at the event, enabling local exhibitors and foreign buyers to register online.
Sri Lanka Expo 2026 scheduled for June 18–21, 2026, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, will showcase Sri Lanka’s export capabilities and investment opportunities to the international community. The official launch ceremony of “Sri Lanka Expo 2026″ was held at Cinnamon Life at the City of Dreams, Colombo, under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti.”Sri Lanka Expo 2026 is not just an event; it is a strategic platform for our exporters to reach new markets, attract international buyers, and showcase the best of Sri Lanka. It is a platform where our policies, our products, and our people come together to create real business opportunities in international markets,” said Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
The event was attended by Minister of Power and Energy, Engineer Kumara Jayakody; Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment, Mr. Arun Hemachandra; Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Mr. Eranga Weeraratne; Secretary to the Ministry, Mrs. Tilaka Jayasundara; President’s Senior Adviser on Science and Technology, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe; along with other Secretaries to Ministries, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, banks, chambers of commerce, heads of institutions collaborating with Sri Lanka Expo 2026, as well as exporters and officials from both public and private sectors.
“Sri Lanka Expo 2026 is not just an event; it is a strategic platform for our exporters to reach new markets, attract international buyers, and showcase the best of Sri Lanka. It is a platform where our policies, our products, and our people come together to create real business opportunities in international markets,” said Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
“For exporters, this Expo is an opportunity to expand into new markets, form strategic partnerships, and move up the value chain. For international buyers and investors, it is a chance to engage with Sri Lanka’s quality products, skilled talent, and resilient business environment,” said Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
Sri Lanka Expo 2026 is expected to draw approximately 750 local exporters and 1,500 international buyers, investors, and media representatives. The event serves as a strategic platform to showcase the nation’s diverse export industries and foster high-level connections between business leaders and policymakers. By building global confidence and positioning Sri Lanka as a premier South Asian trade and investment hub, the exhibition aims to pave the way toward achieving a national export target of $36 billion by 2030.
The exhibition is divided into three core pillars, highlighting the diversity and strength of Sri Lankan exports:
Industrial Exports: A powerhouse of craftsmanship and technology, featuring Apparel & Textiles, Gems & Jewelry, Boat Building, Engineering & Automotive Components, and Electrical & Electronics. It also highlights high-demand Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Minerals, and Lifestyle/Handicraft products.
Agricultural Exports: Celebrating the island’s rich natural resources, including world-renowned Ceylon Tea & Spices, Coconut and Fisheries products, Processed Food & Beverages, Ayurvedic/Herbal remedies, and vibrant Cut Flowers & Ornamental Fish.
Export Services: Showcasing modern expertise in ICT/BPM, Logistics, Maritime & Offshore services, Construction, Renewable Energy, and premium Wellness & Healthcare services.
Sri Lanka Expo 2026 will also include an investor forum, industry-specific sessions, structured business-to-business (B2B) meetings, fashion shows featuring Sri Lankan designers, culinary demonstrations highlighting local cuisine, cultural events and live product demonstrations. The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and Sri Lankan Airlines are serving as partners for Sri Lanka Expo 2026. For registration and further information about the exhibition, visit www.srilankaexpo.lk.
By NELUM BUDDHADASA
