As preparations gather momentum for the World CIO200 Grand Finale 2026, senior representatives from the Global CIO Forum, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Sri Lanka, and strategic industry partners convened at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi for a high-level Strategic Stakeholder Review Dinner to assess progress and align the final roadmap for the global summit. The meeting was organized to review project readiness, strengthen collaboration across stakeholders, and define key priorities leading up to the Grand Finale in Sri Lanka.
Hosted in the presence of Global CIO Forum UAE Chapter Leaders, H.E Dr. Arusha Cooray, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE and H.E. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai & the Northern Emirates, the discussions reflected a shared commitment to positioning Sri Lanka as a global destination for technology, innovation, investment, and international collaboration.
The review meeting focused on strengthening government and private sector collaboration while ensuring that the World CIO200 Grand Finale creates lasting impact beyond the event itself. Discussions emphasized how digital transformation initiatives, international technology partnerships, and multi-sector participation can contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s long-term development objectives.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the commitment to engage the country’s technology leadership community more actively in supporting national digital priorities. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of enabling CIOs and technology leaders to take innovation directly to decision-makers, helping bridge industry expertise with public sector priorities.
The meeting also reviewed several strategic initiatives planned around the Grand Finale, including the Global Tech Marathon, expanded international media engagement, a 50-country technology showcase, and the establishment of stronger Global CIO Forum chapter activities within Sri Lanka. These initiatives are expected to enhance global visibility while creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, knowledge exchange, and economic engagement.
Particular emphasis was placed on showcasing Sri Lanka as an emerging regional technology destination by bringing together government leaders, global CIOs, technology innovators, investors, academia, and industry from over 50 countries. The stakeholders agreed that the Grand Finale represents a unique platform to strengthen Sri Lanka’s international positioning while supporting the country’s digital economy ambitions.
Aditya Kaushik, Global CIO Forum
“The World CIO200 Grand Finale is unlike any other global technology gathering. It brings together the finest technology leaders, ideas and success stories from over 50 countries, creating a living ecosystem where nations learn from one another and accelerate transformation through shared experience.”
Gigi Thomas, Global CIO Forum
“Our commitment to Sri Lanka extends well beyond the Grand Finale. We are excited to work alongside local technology leaders to establish the Global CIO Forum Sri Lanka Chapter and build it into one of the world’s most active and influential communities for CIO leadership, innovation and collaboration.”
Mohammed Gholoom, Global CIO Forum
“This is not simply an international conference coming to Sri Lanka—it is a global marketplace of ideas, innovation and opportunity. By bringing together technology ecosystems from over 60 countries, we aim to open meaningful dialogue around digital transformation, investment, talent development and long-term economic collaboration.”
Shijin Prasad, Global CIO Forum
“The Global CIO Forum has always believed that technology can be a bridge between nations. Through this platform, we are bringing global best practices, trusted relationships and cross-border partnerships to Sri Lanka while creating opportunities to collaborate across government, education, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, sustainability and many other sectors for years to come.”
Ronak Samantaray, CEO and Co-founder, GEC said:
“The World CIO200 Grand Finale is far more than an international technology summit. It is a platform that brings a collective net worth of more than $800 bn under one roof, thereby connecting governments, enterprises, innovators, and global leaders to create long-term opportunities for nation, both economically and strategically. Sri Lanka has demonstrated tremendous commitment, and together we are building an initiative that will leave a lasting impact on innovation, investment, tourism, and digital transformation.”
H.E Dr. Arusha Cooray, Embassy of Sri Lanka, added:
“The timing of this collaboration is particularly significant as Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its focus on digital transformation and innovation-led growth. The World CIO200 Grand Finale provides an important platform to highlight our national vision while fostering meaningful international partnerships.”
H.E. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka, Dubai & Northern Emirates, said:
“The success of this initiative lies in bringing together multiple sectors under one common vision. By creating stronger collaboration between government, industry, and global technology leaders, we have an opportunity to accelerate Sri Lanka’s digital journey while showcasing the country’s capabilities to an international audience. As Sri Lanka, we do not see this just as an event but a cutting edge opportunity to achieve our national goals by shaking hands with 200+ best minds in business and technology.”
Scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 22–24 September 2026, the World CIO200 Grand Finale will welcome the world’s leading CIOs, CISOs, government officials, technology pioneers, innovators, and global enterprises from more than 50 countries for three days of leadership dialogue, knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and the celebration of the world’s Top 200 technology leaders.
The Strategic Stakeholder Review Dinner reaffirmed the shared vision of all participating organizations to deliver a landmark international event that contributes not only to the global technology ecosystem but also to Sri Lanka’s broader economic, tourism, innovation, and digital transformation agenda.
