Highlighting the vital role of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in accelerating Sri Lanka’s broader tourism development, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe called for stronger public-private partnerships to position the country as a competitive global event hub.
Speaking at the inauguration of the sixth edition of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026, Prof. Ranasinghe emphasized that the government views the MICE sector as a core strategic pillar in the nation’s ongoing economic transformation.
While MICE business accounts for roughly 20% of global tourism revenue and up to 23% in the Asia-Pacific region, Sri Lanka’s share currently stands at approximately 11%. Despite being a modest share of the regional total, the Deputy Minister pointed out that the sector has experienced substantial progress in recent years.
“When we took over in 2024, MICE tourism represented around 5% of our tourist market,” Prof. Ranasinghe noted. “Today, that number has grown to nearly 11%. While we still face challenges regarding precise data collection, the upward trajectory is clear.”
The Minister highlighted the stiff regional competition Sri Lanka faces, noting that eight of the top 10 global MICE destinations are located within the Asia-Pacific region.
To meet international demand, the government is actively moving to address infrastructure bottlenecks, including connectivity constraints and venue availability. Among recent development he said were expanded event venues: Iconic locations such as Temple Trees have been made available for major national and international events and regional logistics integration where strategic plans are underway to leverage facilities at Mattala and upcoming developments within the Colombo Port City to accommodate large-scale international gatherings. Stressing that business events generate a far-reaching multiplier effect, Prof. Ranasinghe underscored that the benefits of MICE tourism extend well beyond hoteliers to airlines, transport operators, event planners, local suppliers, and creative industries.
“A single major conference or exhibition benefits a massive network of local stakeholders,” he said. “Our target is not merely immediate economic returns, but building long-term, impactful partnerships that showcase Sri Lanka’s capacity on the world stage.”
Closing his address, the Deputy Minister invited both foreign delegates and local industry leaders to utilize the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026 to forge new commercial ties and elevate the island’s profile as a premier Asian event destination. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), operating with a dedicated nine-member team, manages a targeted budget of Rs360 million and over Rs 110 million of which is committed to venue infrastructure and hosting capabilities. The Expo 2026 brings together more than 120 international buyers and media representing 27 countries and will be held from October 5-9, 2026 in Colombo.
Article link: https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/24/business/1040841/mice-tourism-key-to-sri-lankas-economic-transformation-deputy-minister/
