Sri Lanka is a unique location for international business programs, says PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that Sri Lanka is a unique location for international business programs and that the "SL MICE EXPO 2025" is a great opportunity to bring Sri Lanka's name to the international arena.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the "SL MICE EXPO 2025" exhibition, which was organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo.

The five-day exhibition will be attended by 100 delegates from 30 countries. The objective of the "SL MICE EXPO 2025" is to make Sri Lanka a leader in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector by providing an opportunity to showcase and promote its services, products, and capabilities in the domestic and international MICE sectors.

The Prime Minister further said that this is not just an exhibition but an opportunity for local businesses and stakeholders to directly engage in international business and gain knowledge.

She added that exhibitions of this kind create opportunities to make Sri Lanka a destination for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.

The tourism sector holds a very important place in the Sri Lankan economy.

In 2024, tourism earned a revenue of $3.1 billion, and as of August this year, it has contributed $2.3 billion to the national economy.

The tourism industry is the third largest contributor to foreign exchange.

The Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka's values, geographical location, and its connectivity with Asia, the Gulf, West Asia, and beyond have made it a unique location for international business programs.

The diverse natural beauty of Sri Lanka, its centuries-old culture, and its world-class hospitality can also be experienced by the international business community.

This exhibition is a great opportunity to build good relationships between foreign buyers and local suppliers.

She also praised the contribution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau for organizing this exhibition to make Sri Lanka a MICE hub and thereby uplift the economy.