Robust Demand for Real Estate Purchases Displayed at the Lanka Property Show 2026

• Industry experts urge country to seize the opportunity as a safe destination for investments

• Higher demand this year from overseas visitors at the hybrid event

Exhibitors  at the Lanka Property Show 2026 observed strong demand for real estate, with a notable interest in new project offerings, clearly reflected in the high visitor turnout throughout the two-day event. With over 17,000 visitors attending the event through both walk-ins and virtually, the strong demand underscored continued buyer confidence in Sri Lanka’s property sector, even as the market continues to navigate macroeconomic and structural challenges. While factors such as global uncertainty, infrastructure constraints, and cost pressures remain influential, experts highlighted that improving investor sentiment, stabilizing economic indicators, and gradual policy alignment are expected to support a more predictable and business-friendly environment for both investors and homebuyers.

Building on this outlook, the Lanka Property Show 2026 reinforced the sector’s evolving strength and sustained market interest. The event featured over 30+ premier projects, attracting strong participation from leading developers, financial institutions, and service providers, creating a highly active and engaging exhibition environment.

Now in its 10th edition, the Lanka Property Show (LPS), Sri Lanka’s flagship real estate event, was held on March 21st and 22nd at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Since its inception in 2017, the event has grown significantly and continues to serve as a key platform connecting developers, investors, and industry professionals. This year’s edition once again highlighted the market’s gradual recovery momentum and the increasing sophistication of buyer expectations.

As in past editions, the Lanka Property Show 2026 hosted three engaging panel discussions, offering valuable insights into the future trajectory of Sri Lanka’s property sector. The first session explored Sri Lanka’s positioning in the global real estate landscape, examining opportunities beyond borders and the country’s potential to attract international capital.

Kicking off the discussion, Mr. Dhananath Fernando, CEO of the Advocata Institute, shared his perspective on global investment flows and Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as an emerging real estate destination. He noted that strengthening regulatory clarity and improving investor facilitation will be key to positioning Sri Lanka alongside regional benchmarks such as Dubai and Singapore.

Discussing regional investment perspectives, Mr. Kishore Reddy, President of the Indian CEO Forum, highlighted the importance of cross-border investor confidence and the role of policy stability in attracting foreign capital. Mr. Supun Fernando, Managing Director of Adello (Pvt) Ltd, emphasized the need for structured investment pathways and improved market accessibility for international buyers. Attorney-at-Law Mr. Saminda Jayasekara addressed the regulatory and legal framework, noting that consistent policy execution remains critical for investor trust. Mr. Virath De Alwis, Chairman of Fairway Holdings, highlighted developer-side challenges in aligning product offerings with global investor expectations.

The second panel discussion focused on meeting tomorrow’s housing demand, examining how demographics, local migration, and lifestyle changes are reshaping real estate investment in Sri Lanka. The discussion highlighted shifting urbanization patterns, evolving affordability dynamics, and changing residential preferences influencing both apartment and housing demand.

The session was moderated by Ms. Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekara, Assistant Editor – Business at the Sunday Times. The panel featured Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, Executive Director of the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) and Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo, Mr. Yatila A Wijemanne, Chairman and Co-founder of Juniper Group, and Mr. Niloshan Mendis, General Manager of Business Development at Global Housing & Real Estate.

During the discussion, Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne stated: “Our urbanization and industrialization have been weak compared to global trends. We need a broader policy framework that creates affordable housing programs, not just through taxpayer money, but through models where the private sector and housing societies can participate to meet the basic needs of a growing population.”

The third panel discussion, “Ditva වලින් පසු ලංකාව – අනාගතයට සරිලන නිවාස ප්‍රමිතීන් සහ ප්‍රතිපත්ති,” examined post-disaster housing development frameworks and future housing standards in Sri Lanka, focusing on long-term urban planning, construction practices, and regulatory direction. A key point raised during the discussion was the need to revise existing housing policies and ensure that urban and rural settlements are developed in appropriately designated locations. Plnr. E.A.C. Piyashantha, Deputy Director General (Real Estate) of the Urban Development Authority, further noted that introducing structured mid-rise housing developments, including four- to five-storey projects in rural areas, could support more balanced spatial development and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The session was moderated by Prof. Janaka Fernando, Department of Business Economics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Panelists included Eng. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Plnr. E.A.C. Piyashantha, Deputy Director General (Real Estate) of the Urban Development Authority, Prof.Upuli Perera, Director of the Centre for Real Estate Studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Plnr. Indu Weerasoori, Former Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Urban Development Authority. The discussion further emphasized the importance of coordinated policy frameworks and resilient housing solutions to support long-term sector growth.

Concluding the discussions, industry experts emphasized the need for policy consistency, improved affordability frameworks, and streamlined investment facilitation to support the continued development of Sri Lanka’s real estate sector. With growing investor engagement and increasing market maturity, the event reflected a cautiously positive outlook for the industry’s future trajectory.

This year’s event brought together a wide range of real estate projects and service providers, including developers, banks offering home loan solutions, and industry professionals supporting different stages of the property buying process. In addition to the physical exhibition, the hybrid format extended through virtual and live-streamed engagement.This digital reach enabled developers and exhibitors to showcase projects to overseas buyers in real time, strengthening cross-border visibility and creating new opportunities for international property engagement.

The event was made successful through the support of its esteemed sponsors and partners. Platinum sponsors included Fairway Properties, John Keells Properties, Global Housing, Marina Square, and Home Lands, while Gold sponsors included DFCC Bank, Juniper, and Alfred Residencies. Silver sponsors included Odilia Residencies, Iconic Galaxy, Seylan Bank, and Sampath Bank. The Official Banking Partner for the event was Commercial Bank. Storm Media served as the Official Outdoor Digital Advertising Partner, while Derana was the Official Media Partner. The Official Print Media Partners were අරුණ and The Morning Money. Colombo Coffee Company participated as the Coffee Partner.

For more details on the event and to view the panel discussions, visit www.lankapropertyweb.com/events.