Speaking at the opening of the two-day Global Game Connect (GGC) 2026 summit in Colombo on Monday, March 16th, Ranasinghe said the government aims to develop the capital into a hub for gaming technology and investment, with support from international industry players, including firms from China.
“We are positioning Colombo and Sri Lanka as a hub for the next wave of technological innovation and the gaming industry in this region,” Ranasinghe said during the opening session of the event held at Cinnamon Life, in the City of Dreams Sri Lanka complex.
Ranasinghe said the government is seeking to create a regulatory and technological environment that supports innovation in the sector.
Sri Lanka’s gaming and integrated resort sector has evolved in recent years from a collection of small-scale clubs into a rapidly growing segment of the tourism industry. Authorities see the sector as a way to attract high-value visitors and increase tourism-related investment.
Ranasinghe noted that Sri Lanka’s geographic proximity to India provides access to one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in South Asia.
“We have significant potential for industries like this, particularly for the growing markets next to us, like India. We can accommodate Sri Lanka as a platform for growing enterprises,” he said.
The government also views industry events as an effective way to attract business travelers and highlight Colombo as a destination for both tourism and investment.
A key milestone for the gaming sector was the 2025 opening of the $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka in Colombo, which helped position the island as a potential gaming destination for affluent South Asian travelers, particularly from India.
Authorities expect the expanding gaming sector to support broader tourism targets, including a goal of reaching 3 million international arrivals in 2026. Industry growth is also reflected in projections of around $250 million in annual revenue and a significant contribution to government tax income, with the relevant tax rate recently increased to 18 percent to strengthen national reserves.
Dingnews.com 17/03/2026