The much-anticipated Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025 (SL-MICE Expo 2025) officially inaugurated today, Tuesday (23 September 2025), at the Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams in Colombo. The event is organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism.
Hon. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, inaugurated the event. As Chief Guest in her inaugural address she said, “The Sri Lanka MICE Expo is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of opportunity, collaboration, and vision. This year’s Expo brings together over 100 international MICE agents and more than 15 international media representatives, providing an exclusive platform to directly engage with our local industry stakeholders. It is a testament to the confidence the international community continues to place in Sri Lanka as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.”
She added that tourism has long been one of Sri Lanka’s most vital economic sectors. In 2024, the sector generated USD 3.1 billion, and by August this year it has already reached USD 2.3 billion. Business-event tourism (MICE) has emerged as a high-value niche creating year-round opportunities, reducing seasonality and positioning Sri Lanka firmly on the global stage. With its strategic location in the heart of the Indian Ocean, seamless connectivity to Asia, the Gulf, West Asia and beyond, as well as unmatched natural beauty, centuries of culture and world-class hospitality, Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to become a premier hub for business events.
Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, welcomed delegates saying, “This is the fifth edition of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo. Our goal is to connect the world to Sri Lanka through Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. This year 30 countries are represented by hosted buyers and media, which reflects the international trust in Sri Lanka’s MICE capabilities.”
The opening ceremony featured a vibrant cultural performance showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and traditions.
This was followed by B2B sessions where tour operators and tourism businesses from different countries participated. Representing Bangladesh, Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib, Editor of Business in Bangladesh, attended the sessions.
The five-day Expo includes a high-level plenary session with inspirational speakers, a business forum exploring global MICE opportunities, targeted B2B meetings between international buyers and local suppliers, and a glamorous gala dinner celebrating Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality.
In addition, a post-event familiarization tour organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau will allow hosted buyers to explore Sri Lanka’s central region, highlighting the country’s world-class MICE facilities, stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. The program is designed to showcase Sri Lanka as an ideal destination for organizations seeking both professional and vibrant event settings.
With participants from 30 countries—including tour operators, investors, tourism professionals and media representatives—the Expo is expected to play a pivotal role in positioning Sri Lanka as one of South Asia’s leading destinations for business events.
