About the event

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai organized a grand event at the Hilton Hotel, Habtoor City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on the 8th of March, 2024, under the theme "Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams." The event was a success, focused on promoting Sri Lanka's potential in tourism, investment, trade and foreign employment. The year 2024 commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the elevation of the Consulate's status to "Consulate General," adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion. More than 300 guests, including UAE Government officials, prominent UAE businessmen, diplomats, travel companies, influencers, Members of Dubai, Sharjah & RAK Chambers of Commerce and office bears of Sri Lankan associations and prominent Sri Lankans were among the participants of the event.

Keynote speakers of the event

Consul General, Hon. Alexi Gunasekera made opening remarks highlighting the nation's remarkable economic comeback story and emphasizing the strategic significance of the UAE as a gateway to the Gulf region, Africa, and Europe,

The State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, who specially flew to Dubai for the occasion, delivered a compelling speech that underlined the country's promising prospects.

The special guest, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman Albanna, former Ambassador of the UAE to India delivered a keynote speech highlighting the significance of international trade agreements, particularly the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Among other speakers were, Dr. Neelivethil Rajeev, a prominent Indian businessman, who shared his perspectives on conducting business in Sri Lanka, Mr. Manoj Bogoda, CEO of UUDS Aero DWC LLC and a prominent Sri Lankan entrepreneur employing over 550 Sri Lankans in his company who shed light on the potential for Sri Lanka’s skilled and semi-skilled employment, emphasizing the wealth of talent available in the Sri Lankan workforce.

Sri Lanka product promotion

The event featured an array of Sri Lankan products displayed at 12 counters strategically positioned throughout the venue. These displays gathered significant attention from attendees, who were eager to explore and learn more about the unique offerings from Sri Lanka. The event was attended by the senior management of leading hypermarket chains such as LuLu, Al Maya, Carrefour, and Al Aweer, along with the organizers of GITEX, Gulfood and Organic & Natural Product Expo Dubai.

Among the Sri Lankan products displayed, Ceylon tea & specialty teas, various beverage items, Milk powder, Coconut products, Chutney and Pickles, spices including Ceylon cinnamon, desiccated and dried edibles, Organic products, Rice, Kithul jaggary & treacle were showcased at prominent places in the venue. In addition, the guests were served Sri Lankan non-alcoholic mocktails made from passion fruit, soursop, king coconut, cinnamon, and tea. Authentic food was prepared at live stations. All of these efforts were appreciated by the attendees of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams.

We believe that initiatives like these play a crucial role in fostering international cooperation, expanding trade opportunities and diversifying Sri Lanka’s export basket.

Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe hosted a dialogue between visiting Sri Lankan State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, and members of the Sri Lankan community drawn from the field of information technology (IT), entrepreneurs and professionals resident in the United States. The meeting was held on Friday, 08 March 2024 at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. and was convened with the objectives of encouraging investment in IT-based industries in Sri Lanka by sharing the vision and progress towards developing the digital economy and society of Sri Lanka, engagement with Sri Lankans in the U.S. on the planned global summit on digital development in June 2024 under the aegis of “DIGIECON 2030” initiative and by receiving ideas and views of Sri Lankans in the U.S. on how they might contribute to the digital development of Sri Lanka.

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