The Sri Lanka Export Development Board officially announced today, January 9, the launch of an international exhibition titled "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.
This international exhibition, 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. 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.
Approximately 750 local exporters and 1,500 international buyers, investors, and media personnel are expected to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2026.
The main objectives of Sri Lanka Expo 2026 include showcasing Sri Lanka's diverse export industries to global markets, creating a platform for business people, investors, and policymakers, building buyer and investor confidence in Sri Lanka's capabilities, promoting Sri Lanka as a leading trade and investment hub in South Asia, and facilitating pathways to achieve the national export target of USD 36 billion by 2030.
Under the industrial export sector, the exhibition will include apparel, textiles and fashion, gems and jewellery, boat building, engineering and automotive components, rubber and polymer products, electrical and electronic products, lifestyle and handicraft products, pharmaceutical products, and mineral and mineral-based products.
Under the agricultural export sector, it will feature tea, spices and concentrate products, coconut-based products, fisheries products, processed food and beverages, ayurvedic and herbal products, cut flowers and foliage, ornamental fish, fruits and vegetables.
Under export services, the exhibition will showcase information and communication technology/business process management, maritime and offshore services, logistics, construction and renewable energy, wellness and healthcare services, and other 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.
