Sri Lanka’s largest education exhibition and job fair, EDEX Expo 2026, makes its highly anticipated return this January, offering 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 Expo will be held on 16th, 17th and 18th January 2026 at the BMICH in Colombo, followed by 24th and 25th January 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. The Colombo edition will be ceremonially declared open by His Excellency Mr. Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India, 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, the 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, skills 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, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Environment, further reinforcing its national significance. Strategic partners for the event include The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the 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. Nenapahana actively empowers young Sri Lankan students through book donations, the establishment of IT laboratories and infrastructure development in rural schools. Recently, Nenapahana collaborated with the Royal College Doctors’ Association to diagnose hearing impairments among primary students in the Kekirawa Educational Zone, recognising that good health is a vital foundation for effective learning. 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 3rd January 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 Ministry of Education. 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.

Commenting on the significance of the Expo, Mr. Mahinda Galagedara, Chairman of EDEX, 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.”

Speaking about the relevance of the event, Project Chairman Mr. 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.

Adding further, Project Secretary Mr. 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.”

In an era where access to the right information, guidance and networks is critical, EDEX Expo 2026 offers a comprehensive platform for exploration, growth and empowerment. Be part of the change and take the first step toward a brighter, globally competitive future.

For more information, contact the EDEX Secretariat on 011 309 1086 or 076 820 4975.