The 13th Edition of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, Sri Lanka’s foremost Travel & Tourism Fair, was inaugurated at the BMICH in Colombo on Friday (15), under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
According to Sri Lanka Tourism, the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the nation’s tourism calendar, setting the stage for two days of vibrant exhibitions, networking, and knowledge-sharing.
The opening ceremony was graced by PM Harini Amarasuriya as the Chief Guest, alongside Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sancharaka Udawa 2026 brings together over 250 exhibitors and 300+ stalls, representing every facet of the tourism sector. For the first time, the exhibition welcomed foreign hosted buyers, creating unprecedented opportunities for local stakeholders to connect with international markets.
The inauguration ceremony highlighted Sri Lanka Tourism’s dedication to capacity building, infrastructure enhancement, and brand visibility for local service providers.
Complimentary stalls were offered to tourism-related government departments, while partnerships with leading universities ensured strong youth participation and academic engagement, empowering the next generation to play an active role in shaping the future of tourism.
United Motors and Araliya Group of Hotels as Diamond Sponsors, Hilton Colombo were the Official Hospitality Partner, and Mount Lavinia Hotel was the Catering Partner. Their involvement showcased the strength and unity of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector.
While the inauguration marked the official opening, the exhibition continues until today (16), featuring B2B meetings, panel discussions, and workshops designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Sri Lanka Tourism added that the outcomes of Sancharaka Udawa 2026 are expected to generate a significant surge in bookings for regional tourism service providers, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s position as a diverse and dynamic destination.
Sri Lanka Tourism said it remains committed to supporting such landmark events that elevate the nation’s global image, foster industry growth, and strengthen partnerships between government, academia, and private stakeholders. (Newswire)