Inaugural South Asia Bitumen Market Conference to be held in Colombo

The inaugural South Asian Bitumen Conference (SABIT 2025) will be held on November 13 and 14, 2025, at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo, bringing together decision-makers, policymakers and industry specialists from across the bitumen value chain.

Themed ‘Bridging Trade, Infrastructure and Supply Chains Across South Asia and Beyond’ and organised by Conference Connection, together Events and Hospitality Partner, Helanka Vacations Colombo, SABIT 2025 marks the expansion of its Global Bitumen Series into South Asia. 

The region is witnessing accelerating infrastructure investments and the SABIT aims to provide a dedicated forum for stakeholders to align, innovate and build partnerships.

The two-day programme will commence with registrations and a networking reception in the evening on November 13, with a SABIT 2025 Golf Game ice breaker earlier that afternoon. The official opening and ministerial address by Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayaka will take place on November 14, followed by a keynote address by Sri Lanka Road Development Authority Chairman T. Paskaran.  More than 15 experts will deliver other presentations, case studies, panel sessions and one-on-one meetings covering:

• Supply, demand and trade flows in South Asian bitumen markets
• Refining, upgrading and blending capacity developments
• New technologies for sustainable paving, emulsions and asphalt solutions
• Market access, procurement strategies and logistics
• Regulatory, environmental and policy frameworks

SABIT 2025 is expected to attract senior representatives from refineries, trading houses, road authorities, contractors, infrastructure developers, logistics providers, technology firms and bitumen specialists from South Asia, the wider Asia Pacific and Middle East.

“For the first time, Conference Connection’s highly successful Global Bitumen Series will be held in Sri Lanka and brings together leading players in key growing South Asian markets notably India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,” said Conference Connection General Manager Abby Seah. 

Helanka Vacations by MendisOne Chairman Rohitha Mendis added, “This event is an important milestone, highlighting Sri Lanka as a strategic hub for global industry collaboration and infrastructure development.”

SABIT 2025 is supported by the Sri Lanka High Commission, Singapore and endorsed by, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Institute of Builders, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, Sri Lanka Philippines Business Council, YoungShip Sri Lanka, among others.