Expo 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

A New Era of Industry: Expo 2025 & IDB’s Roadmap for the Future

Sri Lanka is gearing up for a new era of industrial growth, and Industry Expo 2025 is set to be the launchpad. In an exclusive conversation, Ravi Nissanka, Chairman of the Industrial Development Board, shared insights on the Expo and the country’s ambitious future projects. 

 What makes Industry Expo 2025 different from past editions? 
While Industry Expo has been held before, the 2025 edition is on a whole new scale. From September 18–21 at BMICH, over 450 exhibitors from Sri Lanka and abroad will participate. As with previous editions, the Expo will be held under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, ensuring strong government guidance and strategic alignment. As well as we showcase 200 new innovations. 
This year’s Expo is made possible through the leadership and support of Hon. Sunil Handuneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Chathuranga Abesinghe, Deputy Minister, Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry, and the dedicated ministerial staff, whose contributions and guidance have been invaluable. 
Unlike past expos, this edition emphasizes international collaboration, technology transfer, and export expansion. We are connecting Sri Lankan manufacturers directly with global buyers through B2B sessions, sectoral forums, and buyer delegations. 
This Expo isn’t just about showcasing products—it’s a statement: Sri Lanka is ready to compete in the global industrial economy. 
Transformative Projects for 2026 

 What initiatives will drive Sri Lanka’s industrial growth? 

Starting in 2026, IDB is rolling out some strategic projects: 
Establishing 331 Import Substitution Industries 
To reduce import dependency and boost local manufacturing, we will establish 331 enterprises across divisional secretariat divisions. These will operate as private limited companies with up to 50 shareholders. Covering sectors such as electric, electronics, machinery, plastics, polymer, rubber, chemicals, and mineral-based products, this initiative will generate direct and indirect around 30,000 high-pay jobs. The IDB will provide tax concessions, technical services, and marketing support to guarantee success. 
We expect here to facilitate for market access to locally manufactured products. 

Building Industrial Incubators 
Entrepreneurship is the backbone of industrial progress. To nurture it, I am initiating nine industrial incubators. These incubators will mentor entrepreneurs, provide technical assistance, and connect them with opportunities. Successful enterprises will expand into cluster companies within IDBmanaged industrial parks. There are product-to-business incubators covering electric, electronics, machinery, plastics, polymer, rubber, chemicals, and minerals. 

Developing the Hambantota Industrial City 
Our most ambitious project is the creation of a 50,000-acre world-class industrial city in Hambantota, strategically located between Mattala Airport and Magampura Port. Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, this city will include modern infrastructure, schools, hospitals, residential areas, and leisure facilities. It will attract foreign investment, bring advanced technology to our shores, generate large-scale employment, and integrate Sri Lanka into the global supply chain. 

Impact on Sri Lankans 
“These initiatives are people-centered,” said Mr. Nissanka. “They will create high-pay jobs, improve market access, encourage entrepreneurship, reduce imports, and make our economy selfsustaining and export-driven.” Country increase the per capita income enabling people to enjoy a fulfilling life. 

Vision 2030: Industrial Excellence 
“My vision is for Sri Lanka to become a hub of innovation and industrial excellence in Asia. With Industry Expo 2025 as the immediate landmark and these projects as our roadmap, we are building a resilient, innovative, and globally integrated industrial economy. The future is bright—and together, we will get there.” 

Expo 2025 at a Glance 

• Venue: BMICH, Colombo 
• Dates: September 18–21, 2025 
• Exhibitors: 450+ from Sri Lanka and abroad 
• Features: B2B meetings, buyer delegations, sectoral forums, technology showcases 
• Goal: Boost exports, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Sri Lanka’s industrial profile globally