Colombo to welcome over 200 of the world’s leading CIOs and technology executives from more than 50 countries in a landmark gathering for innovation, investment, and digital leadership.
Global CIO Forum (GCF) is delighted to announce that Sri Lanka has been selected as the host destination for the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026, one of the world’s most influential gatherings of technology leaders. Scheduled to take place in Colombo from 22–24 September 2026, the summit will bring together more than 200 Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Digital Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, technology innovators, policymakers, and business leaders representing over 50 countries.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s growing position as a global destination for technology, innovation, and MICE tourism. The successful facilitation and support extended by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the UAE, together with the commitment of national stakeholders, have played an instrumental role in bringing this prestigious international summit to the country.
The MoU signing was convened in the presence of H.E. Dr. Arusha Cooray, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
The World CIO 200 is the flagship global leadership platform of the Global CIO Forum, connecting the world’s most influential technology executives through a year-long journey spanning dozens of countries before culminating in an internationally hosted Grand Finale. More than an awards programme, the initiative serves as a global platform for leadership exchange, innovation, strategic collaboration, and cross-border partnerships.
The 2026 Grand Finale in Colombo will be organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, SLASSCOM, ICTA, and several leading public and private sector stakeholders. Together, these organisations will create an international platform that showcases Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey, innovation ecosystem, investment opportunities, and emerging technology capabilities.
Beyond celebrating outstanding technology leadership, the three-day summit will feature high-level keynote sessions, ministerial dialogues, executive roundtables, innovation showcases, leadership masterclasses, investment discussions, startup engagement programmes, and strategic networking opportunities designed to foster international collaboration.
Hosting the World CIO 200 Grand Finale represents an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to present its vision for a digitally empowered economy while strengthening relationships with global technology leaders, multinational enterprises, investors, and innovation partners.
“This milestone reflects Sri Lanka’s growing recognition as a trusted destination for global engagement. Hosting the World CIO 200 Grand Finale will allow us to showcase our nation’s capabilities, strengthen international partnerships, and accelerate our position as a leading MICE and innovation hub,” said H.E. Dr. Arusha Cooray, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking on the announcement, Ronak Samantaray, CEO of Global Enterprise Connect, said: “The World CIO 200 has always been about connecting nations through technology leadership. Sri Lanka represents an exciting destination with immense talent, a progressive digital vision, and a growing innovation ecosystem. We are proud to bring our global community to Colombo and create meaningful opportunities that extend far beyond the event itself. This is not simply a conference—it is a platform for collaboration, investment, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships.”
The summit is also expected to generate significant economic value through business tourism, international media exposure, investment conversations, and strategic partnerships while reinforcing Sri Lanka’s ambition to become a preferred destination for global conferences and knowledge-driven events.
With delegates travelling from more than 50 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Americas, the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 will further position Sri Lanka on the global technology and MICE map, creating lasting opportunities for the nation’s digital economy and international engagement.
