COLOMBO -The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism hosted a diplomatic
briefing on Sri Lanka-EXPO 2027 on 12 June 2026 at the Foreign Ministry premises.
The briefing was attended by Heads of Mission and representatives of the diplomatic corps based
in Colombo and Heads of Mission/ their representatives accredited to Sri Lanka with
residence in New Delhi and other foreign capitals. Diplomats based overseas participated
virtually.
The event was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism,
Vijitha Herath, and Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil
Handunnetti. Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga
Abeysinghe, also participated in the briefing.
Delivering Welcome remarks, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign
Employment and Tourism, Aruni Ranaraja, described EXPO-2027, which is scheduled to take
place from 14-17 January 2027 at the BMICH in Colombo as one of the largest international
business events to be held in Sri Lanka in recent years.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Vijitha Herath highlighted the significance of Sri LankaEXPO 2027 as a key platform to deepen international economic engagement, promote trade
and investment, and strengthen partnerships with countries around the world. Minister Herath
also underscored the important role diplomatic missions can play in encouraging the
participation of business communities, chambers of commerce, trade associations and investor
groups, and invited governments, institutions and private-sector stakeholders to join Sri LankaEXPO 2027 in Colombo.
Responding to a question from the diplomatic corps, Minister of Industry and
Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti clarified that Sri Lanka’s export and
investment promotion efforts are being broadened to encompass a wider range of sectors,
including the minerals sector while providing an overview of the Government’s National
Mineral Policy.
Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe highlighted the opportunities that EXPO 2027 Sri
Lanka will create for expanding trade links and connecting with the global value chains to
build partnerships.
Chairman of the Export Development Board, Managala Wijesinghe made a detailed
presentation on EXPO-2027 to the attendees.
