The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the national tourism organization responsible for the development and promotion of Sri Lanka’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, has announced the launch of SL MICE Expo 2026, bringing together more than 120 international hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries.

The fifth edition of the flagship MICE event is scheduled to take place in Colombo from 5–9 October 2026, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive and compelling destination for international business events. The Expo is being organized in line with the SLCB Marketing Plan 2026 and builds on the strong momentum generated by previous editions.

Sri Lanka is gifted with an amazing diversity of attractions from beaches, ancient cities, sanctuaries for wildlife, to hill country tea plantations, literally within a few hours of each other. These are featured in pre and post tours of MICE events. Although well on the road to modernization, the country and its people still cherish most of their traditional values and take pride in their rich culture, an aspect, which continue to attract visitors from abroad.

Since its inception in 2021, the SL MICE Expo has evolved from a virtual initiative into a leading international platform connecting Sri Lanka’s MICE industry with global buyers, media and industry stakeholders. The event has consistently provided opportunities to showcase Sri Lanka’s distinctive destination offering, while creating new avenues for business development, partnerships and international collaboration.

Sri Lanka offers an exceptional combination of business infrastructure, natural beauty, cultural heritage and diverse experiences within a compact geographical area. From pristine beaches and vibrant cities to ancient kingdoms, wildlife sanctuaries and the scenic hill country, the island provides a wide range of experiences that can be incorporated into MICE programmes and pre- and post-event tours.

The country’s rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions add further depth to the destination experience, enabling international MICE visitors to combine business with authentic cultural, leisure and incentive travel experiences.

Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, M.P., Deputy Minister of Tourism, stated that the Government recognizes the MICE sector as a key driver of tourism growth and welcomed SL MICE Expo 2026 as an important platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s MICE potential to international buyers and media.

Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLCB, stated that more than 120 hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries will participate in SL MICE Expo 2026, creating valuable opportunities for Sri Lankan MICE industry partners to build international business connections and partnerships.

SL MICE Expo 2026 will bring together international MICE buyers, media representatives and Sri Lankan tourism and MICE industry stakeholders through a programme designed to encourage meaningful business engagement.

The programme will feature:

• A business forum exploring current trends and opportunities in the MICE industry.
• An Inaugural Plenary Session featuring esteemed keynote speakers.
• A comprehensive business and networking programme (B2B Meetings) connecting international hosted buyers with Sri Lankan MICE suppliers to generate business leads, partnerships and future opportunities.
• Networking events that provide opportunities for international and local industry professionals to build long-term relationships.
• Destination experiences highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique tourism, cultural and leisure offerings.
• Familiarization experiences designed to give hosted buyers and media first-hand exposure to Sri Lanka’s MICE capabilities and destinations.

The event will serve as a dynamic marketplace where buyers and sellers can explore new products and services, exchange industry knowledge and identify opportunities for collaboration.

The participation of more than 120 hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries demonstrates the growing international interest in Sri Lanka as a destination for business events.

Through SL MICE Expo 2026, SLCB aims to deepen relationships with key international markets while providing Sri Lankan MICE suppliers with direct access to decision-makers and influential media from around the world.

The Expo is also expected to generate wider economic benefits by encouraging international business events, incentive travel and conferences to Sri Lanka, supporting tourism enterprises and local communities across the island.

SL MICE Expo 2026 represents another significant step in SLCB’s efforts to position Sri Lanka as a world-class MICE destination—one that combines value, connectivity, hospitality and extraordinary experiences with the professional capabilities required to host successful international events.

With its growing international participation and strong engagement from the local MICE industry, the 2026 Expo is set to create new business opportunities, strengthen global partnerships and showcase the many possibilities that Sri Lanka offers to the international MICE community.