Sri Lanka is already famous for its golden beaches, historic cities, and tea estates. Now, the country wants to add international business hub to that list.

​Leading this shift is Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. He is spearheading a major effort to turn the island into a top choice for international meetings, corporate events, and conferences.

​The centerpiece of this push is the SL MICE Expo 2026, running in Colombo from October 5 to 9. The event has drawn over 120 international buyers and media representatives from 27 countries. For local hoteliers, event planners, and travel operators, the Expo is a rare chance to connect directly with a global audience and secure future business.

​Hettiarachchi sees the Expo as much more than a standard travel exhibition. He views it as a way to prove that Sri Lanka has the professional facilities to host major corporate gatherings, paired with the natural beauty and culture that make for an unforgettable trip.

​Connecting with a Global Market

​Under Hettiarachchi’s guidance, the Convention Bureau is treating business tourism as a vital part of the country’s economic future. The five-day Expo is packed with one-on-one meetings, networking sessions, and tours designed to introduce international decision-makers to local service providers. The main goal is to turn initial handshakes into signed contracts and long-term partnerships.

​This approach has strong backing from the government. Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe has publicly noted that business travel is a crucial way to grow the industry. By working together, the government and private business owners are hoping to make Sri Lanka highly competitive on the world stage.

​A Different Kind of Traveler

​Attracting business groups offers huge benefits to the local economy. Corporate travelers generate reliable revenue for hotels, transport companies, and restaurants. Even better, conference attendees often extend their visits to explore the country.

​Sri Lanka’s compact size is a massive advantage here. A visitor can wrap up a business meeting in Colombo and be at a wildlife sanctuary, a coastal resort, or a mountain tea estate just hours later. It is a mix of work and play that few other destinations can offer.

​As Sri Lanka focuses on attracting higher-value visitors and rebuilding its economy, this sector provides a clear path forward.

​Turning Handshakes into Revenue

​The true value of the SL MICE Expo lies in direct access. By bringing buyers from 27 countries straight to Colombo, local businesses can tap into markets that are usually hard to reach. Meanwhile, visiting international media get to experience the country firsthand, helping to spread the word that Sri Lanka is ready to host the world.

​For Hettiarachchi, success means looking at the big picture. Building a strong reputation for business events requires reliable services, high professional standards, and constant coordination between the government and local companies. A well-executed conference today can lead to repeat visits, new jobs, and fresh investments tomorrow.

​The Expo is a strong step forward for Sri Lanka’s travel industry. If Hettiarachchi and his team succeed, they will have proven that Sri Lanka is not just a beautiful place to visit, but a dynamic place to do business.