Government of Sri Lanka and Global Enterprise Connect outline a global technology, investment and innovation agenda as 200+ technology leaders from 50+ countries prepare to converge in Colombo
Sri Lanka officially set the stage for the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 with a high-level press conference held in Colombo, bringing together senior government representatives and the leadership of Global Enterprise Connect (GEC) to unveil the vision, scale and national significance of the upcoming global gathering.
The press conference was held under the leadership of Hon. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, and was attended by senior representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka alongside Ronak Samantaray, CEO & Co-Founder, Global Enterprise Connect, and the senior leadership of GEC.
The World CIO 200 Grand Finale will bring together more than 200 CIOs, technology leaders and influential decision-makers representing over 50 countries, creating one of the most globally diverse technology leadership gatherings to be hosted in Sri Lanka.
The Grand Finale is the culmination of the World CIO 200’s global journey, connecting technology leaders across countries and continents and bringing those conversations together in Colombo.
Speaking at the press conference, Hon. Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, highlighted the broader economic and innovation opportunity the gathering represents for Sri Lanka.
“Our primary objective through the World CIO 200 Summit is to create greater investment opportunities for Sri Lanka while attracting global attention towards the country’s innovation and research capabilities. It provides an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s digital and innovation ecosystem as well as the research outcomes of our national institutions.”
The Minister further emphasized the opportunity to build meaningful connections between international technology leaders and Sri Lanka’s universities, researchers, innovators, technology companies and entrepreneurs.
Beyond a Technology Summit: Opening Sri Lanka to Global Opportunity
The World CIO 200 Grand Finale has been envisioned as more than an international technology conference. It represents an opportunity to connect Sri Lanka’s rapidly developing digital ecosystem with global enterprise leadership, investment networks, technology companies and innovation communities.
Discussions during the Grand Finale will address some of the defining priorities shaping the future of technology and business, including Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity resilience, digital sovereignty, enterprise collaboration and cross-border digital partnerships.
At the same time, the gathering will provide Sri Lankan businesses, innovators, researchers and technology stakeholders with direct access to an international network of decision-makers – creating opportunities for partnerships, investment conversations, knowledge exchange and market collaboration.
Ronak Samantaray, CEO & Co-Founder, Global Enterprise Connect, said:
“For years, the World CIO 200 journey has connected technology leaders across countries and continents. In 2026, those global conversations converge in Colombo. We want the world to experience Sri Lanka not only as an extraordinary destination, but as a powerful technology ecosystem, a talent-rich economy and a trusted partner in the digital future.”
The press conference also highlighted the potential of the Grand Finale to showcase Sri Lanka’s technology capabilities, human capital, research and innovation ecosystem, investment opportunities and growing digital economy before an influential international audience.
Positioning Sri Lanka on the Global Digital Map
Hosting the World CIO 200 Grand Finale represents a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to strengthen its positioning as an emerging destination for technology, innovation, digital investment and global enterprise collaboration.
With international CIOs and technology decision-makers coming together under one roof, the platform has the potential to create conversations extending well beyond the three-day gathering – from enterprise partnerships and technology investments to research collaboration, talent opportunities and cross-border business engagement.
Mahesh Gammanpila, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighted the opportunity the platform creates for Sri Lankan innovators and businesses:
“This summit presents an invaluable opportunity for our country’s creators and innovators. It also provides an important platform to take Sri Lankan industries, including tourism and other businesses, to the global stage.”
The presence of GEC’s CEO and senior leadership in Sri Lanka for the press conference further reinforced the organisation’s commitment to building the Grand Finale as a platform with lasting impact for the country.
The ambition is clear: bring the world to Sri Lanka – and take Sri Lanka’s technology, talent, innovation and investment story to the world.
