Sri Lanka Expo 2026 returns after 14 years, set for June at BMICH

 Sunil Handunnetti Chief Guest at the launch of Sri Lanka Expo 2026

• Sri Lanka Expo 2026 aligns with the government’s target of increasing exports to US$ 36 billion by 2030
• Around 750 exporters and 1,500 global buyers, investors and media to participate 
• The expo will feature B2B meetings, investor forums, industry sessions, fashion and culinary shows and more

By Shannine Daniel

Sri Lanka Expo 2026, organised by the Export Development Board (EDB) and the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry will be held from 18 to 21 June, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

The four-day international exhibition, which returns after a 14-year hiatus, is expected to attract 750 exporters, including export-ready small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as 1500 buyers, investors, and journalists from around the world. 

It will feature an investor forum, industry-specific sessions, structured business-to-business (B2B) meetings, fashion shows and culinary shows featuring local designers and local cuisine, live product demonstrations and cultural pageants. 

The exhibition aims to leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic location at the crossroads of global shipping routes that link South Asia, West Asia and Europe, and showcase its diverse industries, products, services, and investment opportunities to the international business community. 

It also hopes to provide dynamic networking opportunities for businesses, investors and policymakers, instill confidence in Sri Lanka’s competitive service offerings, and promote Sri Lanka as a key trade and investment hub in South Asia.

Sri Lanka Expo 2026 aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen the nation’s economic foundation by increasing exports to US$ 36 billion by 2030, and attracting more foreign investments, said EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe. 

Last year, the World Bank noted that Sri Lanka’s foreign direct investment was estimated to be around 0.5 percent of GDP, “a level far below what Sri Lanka needs to meet its development goals,” whereas local export revenue was measured at a little over US$ 16 billion in 2024.

Sri Lanka Expo 2026 will represent key industries and sectors such as textiles, fashion, gems, jewellery, boat building, engineering, rubber and polymer products, electrical and electronic items, minerals and mineral based products, tea, spices, coconut related products, processed foods and beverages, ayurveda and herbal products, logistics, construction, renewable energy, ICT/BPM and wellness and healthcare. 

It will also feature thematic pavilions for sustainability and green solutions, culture, heritage and craftsmanship, innovation and technology, global partnerships, and future export leaders.

Registered exhibitors will be able to connect directly with international buyers, participate in B2B matchmaking sessions, engage in industry specific forums and seminars and participate in new product pitches. 

Registered international buyers and investors will receive complimentary accommodation at star-class hotels or other accommodation packages, pre-arranged B2B meetings with leading Sri Lankan exporters, invitations to investment forums and industry sessions, and discounted air tickets from Sri Lankan Airlines, among other benefits. 

Box: More details about the exhibition, including registration for investors, buyers and exhibitors and the eligibility criteria for exhibitors, can be found on the recently launched Sri Lanka Expo 2026 website: www.srilankaexpo.lk. Inquiries can also be sent to: [email protected].