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 Lanka-EXPO 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 Lanka-EXPO 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.
The briefing provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on ways in which diplomatic missions and international partners could support and encourage participation in EXPO 2027 Sri Lanka.
Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Thilaka Jayasundara and other senior government officials also attended the briefing.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism,
Colombo
16 June 2026
