The Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO), the national industry body representing Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), Professional Exhibition Organisers (PEOs), Event Management Companies (EMCs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Wedding Planners, and Event Venues, held its 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently at Amari Colombo.
At the AGM, Ms. Nadeeka Leeniyagoda, Assistant General Manager of Aitken Spence Travels, was unanimously elected as the Association’s first female President, marking a historic milestone for SLAPCEO and Sri Lanka’s MICE industry.
The Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO) was established in 2002 with the objective of developing and strengthening the MICE industry in Sri Lanka. It is the only association in the country that exclusively represents the MICE sector, and is the sole industry body officially recognized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB).
SLAPCEO maintains a stringent membership selection process to ensure that only qualified and reputable professionals are represented. This commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism not only safeguards the integrity of the association but also contributes to the overall growth and advancement of the MICE industry in Sri Lanka.
SLAPCEO continues to play an integral role in private-sector decision-making forums related to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The Association works closely with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), Tourism Industry Skills Council (TISC), and other national institutions to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a premier MICE destination.
The AGM was attended by industry stakeholders, including presidents of tourism associations, representatives from tourism authorities, and members of SLAPCEO.
In her inaugural address as President, Ms. Leeniyagoda outlined her vision to build a more inclusive and progressive industry. She pledged to:
- Empower informal sector organisers to shift to the formal sector through enhanced local and international networking opportunities and improved access to modern technology.
- Strengthen collaborations with key stakeholders such as SLCB, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM), and industry associations including SLAITO, THASL, ASMET, and TISC.
- Invest in capacity building by introducing targeted training programs to inspire and engage the Gen Z workforce, ensuring their active participation and leadership in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s MICE and events industry.
The following office bearers were elected to serve SLAPCEO for the administrative term 2025–2026:
Executive Committee Members (ExCo) for 2025/2026:
President – Ms. Nadeeka Leeniyagoda (Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd), Vice President – Mr. Oshadee Withanawasam (The International Institute of Knowledge Management Pvt Ltd), Secretary – Ms. Dileesha Bulathsinhala (Asia Tours & Events (Pvt) Ltd) and Treasurer – Ms. Janice Hakel-Ranasinghe (Kairos Events & Weddings)
Committee Members:
Mr. Aasim Mukthar (Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Ltd), Mr. Gayan Lakshitha (Beyond Boundaries Global Ltd.), Mr. Manuja Kariapperuma (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), Mr. Sandeep Jayawardhana (Walkers Tours Pvt Ltd), Mr. Sohan Fernando (DTH Lanka Pvt Ltd), Mr. Lakshimaal Samarasinghe (Classic Destination (Pvt) Ltd).
