The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates, in collaboration with Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), and SriLankan Airlines, officially launched the UAE chapter of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP) on 29 April 2025. The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading MICE destination by engaging global professional networks.
Following its inaugural launch in Colombo earlier this year, the UAE chapter marked a key milestone in expanding the global footprint of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Program. Ten eminent Sri Lankan professionals were appointed as Sri Lanka Conference Ambassadors for the year 2025/2026. Appointment letters were officially presented during a meeting held at the Consulate General, followed by a networking dinner.
The event was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders, including:
Industry bodies – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka Business Council UAE;
Airline partners – SriLankan Airlines, Air Arabia, Air Canada;
Travel and logistics – Anta Travels, Al Hind Travels, DNATA;
Corporates – KPMG, Danube Group, Aster Pharmaceuticals, Barakat Group, Damani Group;
Influencers, media, and MICE enablers
Through this programme, Sri Lanka is transforming its MICE sector into a key economic driver by leveraging world-class infrastructure, cultural heritage, and strategic positioning to attract global events. Central to this vision is Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, South Asia’s largest integrated resort, offering 160,000+ square feet of dedicated MICE space and redefining the region’s business events landscape. With 25 ambassadors already on-board across key global hubs, the programme is unlocking new pathways to attract high-impact international events to Sri Lanka.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome address by the Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, who emphasized the critical importance of promoting Sri Lanka as a premier MICE hub in the region. He extended appreciation to all partners for their continued collaboration in this national effort. He also highlighted the crucial role of the appointed Conference Ambassadors in promoting MICE tourism by leveraging their professional networks and industry engagement.
The launch of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Programme in the UAE marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to position itself as a preferred destination for international meetings and conventions, driving sustainable economic growth and global engagement.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Dubai
05 May 2025
