High-level discussions reinforce a shared commitment to positioning Sri Lanka as a global destination for technology leadership, innovation, tourism, investment, and international collaboration.
Global CIO Forum (GCF) held a high-level strategic meeting with H.E. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, to further strengthen collaboration for the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026, which will be hosted in Colombo from 22–24 September 2026.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, and Ms. Subashini Silva, Head of Chancery of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai. Representing the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association (SLITPA) were Mr. Tishan Gunasekera and Mr. Danusha Ranchigoda, who joined representatives of the Global CIO Forum in discussions on maximizing the strategic value of the event for Sri Lanka.
The meeting marked another important milestone in the journey towards delivering one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of technology leaders, bringing together over 200 CIOs and CXOs from more than 50 countries to Sri Lanka.
During the discussions, both parties explored a broad framework of collaboration that extends well beyond the summit itself, reaffirming a shared vision to leverage the event as a catalyst for economic development, international engagement, knowledge exchange, investment promotion, tourism growth, and strategic partnerships.
The Consulate General reiterated its commitment to facilitating collaboration with key government ministries, national institutions, tourism authorities, investment promotion agencies, and industry bodies to ensure the successful delivery of the Grand Finale while maximizing its long-term impact on the country. H.E. Alexi Gunasekera has been instrumental in advancing Sri Lanka’s economic diplomacy in the UAE by fostering strategic partnerships across trade, investment, tourism, technology, and innovation, creating new opportunities for international engagement and sustainable economic growth.
The discussions also centred on Sri Lanka’s Vision 2030, with both Global CIO Forum and the Consulate General recognizing the World CIO 200 Grand Finale as a platform capable of contributing to the nation’s broader ambitions across multiple sectors. These include digital transformation, investment promotion, tourism development, government collaboration, youth empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, talent development, employment generation, and community welfare.
Speaking after the meeting, H.E. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, said:
“Sri Lanka is honoured to host the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026, and we are committed to extending every possible support to ensure its success. This initiative is closely aligned with the Government of Sri Lanka’s economic development agenda and presents a significant opportunity to contribute towards achieving national development targets, particularly in the areas of tourism promotion, foreign direct investment attraction, technology sector growth, and international business collaboration.
The event will bring influential technology leaders, innovators, investors, and decision-makers from around the world to Sri Lanka, creating opportunities to showcase our country’s strengths, attract investments, promote tourism, and build long-term strategic partnerships. It will also further strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a destination for MICE tourism and international business events while supporting the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations and broader economic transformation objectives.
This event represents far more than a technology conference. It serves as a strategic platform to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for investment, tourism, innovation, and international business, while creating tangible economic benefits for the country and its people.”
Anushree Dixit, Chief Strategy Officer of Global CIO Forum, added:
“The World CIO 200 Grand Finale is more than a technology event-it is a platform that connects nations through leadership, innovation and opportunity. Our discussions today reaffirm a shared commitment to making this a landmark initiative that contributes meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s Vision 2030 and creates lasting value for its people, economy and global standing.”
Richa Samantaray, Chief Commercial Officer, GEC, stated:
“Beyond its strategic and diplomatic significance, the World CIO 200 Grand Finale will create a powerful commercial gateway for global technology vendors, solution providers, and innovation partners. By bringing decision-makers from over 50 countries to Sri Lanka, this platform will accelerate business opportunities, foster cross-border partnerships, and contribute significantly to the growth of the regional technology ecosystem while providing a benchmark platform for Sri Lankan companies to showcase their capabilities to the world.”
The World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 is also expected to generate significant economic benefits for Sri Lanka through the promotion of MICE tourism, increased hotel occupancy, enhanced destination visibility, business networking opportunities, and investment facilitation. By bringing more than 200 senior technology executives and decision-makers from over 50 countries to Colombo, the event is expected to create valuable linkages between international investors, technology companies, government institutions, and local enterprises, contributing to economic growth, employment generation, knowledge transfer, and the expansion of Sri Lanka’s global business footprint.
The participation of the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association further reinforced the collaborative approach being adopted to maximize the impact of the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026. The Association expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen Sri Lanka’s technology ecosystem, promote international networking opportunities, and create long-term value for the country’s digital economy.
All parties agreed to continue working closely with government agencies, industry associations, academic institutions, and private sector partners to establish the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 as a flagship international event that delivers long-term strategic value for Sri Lanka and the global technology community.
The World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 is expected to welcome delegates from over 50 countries, positioning Sri Lanka as a global meeting point for technology leadership, innovation, policy dialogue, investment promotion, tourism development, and international collaboration, while supporting the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to accelerate economic growth and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
