The 2-day Global Game Connect (GGC) conference took place in Colombo, bringing together major suppliers and compliance experts for the 1st time in the region. The event took place on March 16th-17th at the local City of Dreams IR.
Hot Topics: Launch of Integrated Resorts
The large-scale gambling complex where the show was held opened last August. It is the country’s debut venue of a kind, developed with the participation of 2 international investors, including John Keells Holdings.
Another contributor is Melco Resorts & Entertainment. Its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer described Sri Lanka as a largely untapped market with high potential. In Lawrence Ho's opinion, the launch of an IR is only the 1st step in unlocking the national tourism prospects.
The island’s authorities share this position. Earlier, they announced a tender for the development of the long-stalled Hyatt project in the capital. The possibility of transforming the tower into another integrated resort is being explored.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the state’s President, fully supports the industry’s growth. He views the gambling business as a tool for achieving important goals:
- creating new jobs;
- drawing in foreign investments;
- shaping the premium niche that attracts high rollers.
How Casinos Increase Traveller Numbers
Speaking at the GGC 2026 forum, Ruwan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Tourism Minister, emphasised that the country is viewed as a promising hub for technology development. He noted that the state boasts significant potential to scale up the neighbouring markets, including the dynamic sightseeing flow from India.
The island’s long-term strategy positions it as a platform for regional business growth. The expansion of the gambling segment and increased customer traffic should contribute to economic recovery and attract investment.
Particular emphasis is placed on shaping a sustainable premium tourism sector:
- In 2025, the country had a record 2.3 million visitors.
- By 2030, authorities plan to achieve 5 million annual arrivals.
At the same time, current trends remain sensitive to external conditions. Following the escalation in the Middle East, travel has fallen by 30%, and the total number of flight cancellations has reached 768.
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