Sri Lanka Expo 2026 Launched with Edges of Sri Lanka as a Strategic Platform to Showcase Sri Lanka’s Unique Value Proposition

Edges of Sri Lanka, a national branding initiative designed to articulate Sri Lanka’s unique value proposition to global markets, was unveiled alongside the official launch of Sri Lanka Expo 2026 by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.

Developed in partnership with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, with Deloitte as knowledge partner, Edges of Sri Lanka presents an evidence-based perspective on established strengths and evolving capabilities that contribute to Sri Lanka’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth. Together, the initiative complements the Expo’s objective of reinforcing Sri Lanka’s positioning under the theme “Island with Infinite Opportunities,” aligning national narrative, market engagement, and investment promotion.

Sri Lanka Expo 2026 is positioned as the country’s flagship international exhibition, aimed at showcasing Sri Lanka’s export and investment potential while facilitating direct engagement with global buyers and investors through structured platforms such as business-to-business (B2B) meetings. The Expo seeks to strengthen Sri Lanka’s standing as a competitive sourcing destination and create pathways for exporters and investors to form commercially viable partnerships.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, emphasized the strategic intent behind the initiative:

“Sri Lanka Expo 2026 is not just an event; it is a strategic platform for our exporters to reach new markets, attract international buyers, and showcase the best of Sri Lanka. It brings together our policies, our products, and our people to create real business opportunities in international markets.”

The Sri Lanka Expo 2026 exhibition will be held from 18 to 21 June 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. It will feature a wide range of export-oriented industries and services, spanning agriculture, industrial products, and export services, alongside thematic focus areas such as sustainability, innovation, technology, culture, and global connectivity.

Within this framework, Edges of Sri Lanka plays a foundational role, complementing the Expo’s engagement and deal-making function by providing international stakeholders with deeper context and insight. Through curated case studies, the initiative highlights Sri Lankan enterprises that demonstrate adaptive business models, innovation-led growth, and globally relevant capabilities rooted in local strengths.

Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, underscored the importance of this integrated approach:

“For exporters, the Expo opens pathways to new markets and strategic partnerships. For international buyers and investors, Edges of Sri Lanka offers a clearer understanding of the quality, talent, and resilience that define Sri Lanka’s business environment.”

According to Channa Manoharan, Country Managing Partner, Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives:

“Edges of Sri Lanka shines a light on a few of the country’s distinctive strengths and emerging capabilities. By presenting credible, real-world business examples, the initiative helps investors and partners better understand Sri Lanka’s value proposition, and supports more informed dialogue around investment, partnerships, and sustainable growth.”

Edges of Sri Lanka is structured around four thematic areas that reflect distinct dimensions of opportunity and impact: Unlocking Community Potential, Accelerating Nature-driven Prosperity, Innovating from the Technological Edges, and Championing Brand Sri Lanka. Together, these themes demonstrate how Sri Lankan enterprises are building scale, sustainability, and global relevance.

Duleesha Kulasooriya, Managing Director, Deloitte Center for the Edge, noted the forward-looking intent of the publication:

“All meaningful transformation begins at the edges. Edges of Sri Lanka builds on the success of the Edges of Southeast Asia initiative by the Singapore Economic Development Board, supported by Deloitte Asia Pacific, which highlighted a diverse range of innovators across the region, from early-stage startups to large-scale conglomerates. Drawing on that experience, Edges of Sri Lanka applies a similar lens to showcase credible capabilities and ideas within Sri Lanka that demonstrate competitiveness today while shaping the country’s economic future.”

Presented through a digital booklet and curated case study cards, Edges of Sri Lanka is designed to be practical and accessible. By translating Sri Lanka’s export and investment narrative into tangible business examples, the initiative strengthens credibility, informs investor decision-making, and reinforces Sri Lanka’s positioning as a destination for long-term, value-based partnerships.

Edges of Sri Lanka can be accessed at:

https://www.srilankabusiness.com/buyers/edges-of-sri-lanka.html