EDEX Expo 2026 Colombo edition kicks off today; January 24 in Kandy

EDEX Expo 2026 will be held on January 16, 17 and 18, 2026, at the BMICH in Colombo, followed by January 24 and 25, 2026, at the Kandy City Centre in Kandy and will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at both venues. 

Sri Lanka’s largest education exhibition and job fair, EDEX offers unparalleled opportunities for students, parents, professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to shape their futures with confidence. 

Organised by the Royal College Union since 2004, EDEX has grown into a trusted national platform, guided by a powerful vision: ‘Empowering Sri Lankan Youth to be Globally Competitive’.

The Colombo edition will be ceremonially declared open by High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha, reflecting the strong international dimension of the event. 

With free admission, EDEX Expo brings together state universities, vocational and technical institutions, leading non-state higher education providers and prestigious foreign universities under one roof, creating a dynamic space for exploration, guidance and informed decision-making.

This year’s expo is set to host over 150 educational institutions and 15 leading corporates, while also offering direct international education opportunities from Canada, France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Local universities will showcase diverse pathways to higher education, enabling students to explore study options in destinations such as New Zealand, China, the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and beyond. 

Complementing education pathways, the EDEX Job Fair will feature on-site interviews and immediate recruitment opportunities facilitated by top Sri Lankan corporates across sectors including IT, banking, media and culinary arts.

For over two decades, EDEX has been more than an exhibition; it is a movement dedicated to national development. Through initiatives such as EDEX Careers, EDEX Job Fair, EDEX Think Green, EDEX Sithuwam and EDEX Nenapahana, the expo creates sustainable pathways for education, skill development and career advancement. 

A key highlight of this year is the Career Key psychometric test, offered through EDEX Careers, which helps individuals identify career paths aligned with their strengths and interests, supporting more fulfilling and purposeful professional journeys.

EDEX Expo 2026 is endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Office, Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry, Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry, Labour Ministry and Environment Ministry, further reinforcing its national significance. 

Strategic partners for the event include the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Ceylon Career Guidance Association, strengthening industry alignment and employability outcomes.

EDEX Nenapahana, the expo’s flagship social responsibility initiative, continues to focus on sustainable development in education, society and the environment. This year, Nenapahana has also partnered with the University of the Visual and Performing Arts to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents through live demonstrations including porcelain throwing, sculpture, drawing and screen printing. In addition, a series of online sessions has been introduced to empower parents to better support their children’s education, with the inaugural session conducted on January 3 by child and adolescent psychiatrist Prof. Myuru Chandradasa, drawing strong participation.

EDEX Sithuwam continues its commitment to nurturing creativity through its 2026 All-Island Art Competition, conducted with the endorsement of the Education Ministry. With over 10,000 entries received from across the country, the competition also ensures inclusivity through a dedicated deaf category, now conducted for the third consecutive year. Reflecting the evolving role of technology, Sithuwam also promotes responsible innovation, with an AI-assisted art competition being held for the second consecutive year to encourage students to use artificial intelligence productively and creatively.

Meanwhile, the Think Green and Entrepreneurship teams have collaborated to conduct an integrated entrepreneurship development programme aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs for participation in the globally emerging green economy. Business consultants, government institutions supporting entrepreneurship development, financial institutions, ISO consultants and ERP solution providers will collectively guide participants through the full entrepreneurship development cycle, supporting the sustainable growth of business concepts developed by Sri Lankan youth and existing entrepreneurs.

EDEX Chairman Mahinda Galagedara said, “EDEX was built on the foundation of helping young Sri Lankan students and their families during times of their lives when much is defined for their future.”

Project Chairman Sumeda Karunaratne stated, “Whether you are a student pursuing O/Levels or A/Levels, a parent guiding a child to the next level or an individual looking for a career change, EDEX brings you valuable insights and opportunities that can truly bring about a positive impact.”

Project Secretary Nadun Hettiarachchi noted, “EDEX is much more than an exhibition. It is a platform for empowerment that encourages visitors to engage, ask questions and make informed choices about their future.”