Sri Lanka Recaps Its Inaugural GGC Forum: Emphasis on iGaming and Tourism

Key Topics: Opening of Integrated Resorts

The grand entertainment complex that hosted the iGaming conference launched in August last year. It is the island’s 1st integrated resort, built with the support of 2 international investors, including John Keells Holdings.

Another key contributor is Melco Resorts & Entertainment. Its Chairman and CEO, Lawrence Ho, characterised Sri Lanka as a largely untapped market with immense potential. In his view, the opening of a gambling venue is only the 1st step towards unlocking the country’s broader tourism prospects.

The state’s authorities echo this vision. They recently announced a tender for the development of the long-delayed Hyatt project in Colombo and are considering the option to convert the tower into another IR.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the country’s President, fully endorses the development of the sphere, seeing gambling as a strategic tool for achieving key national objectives:

• generating new jobs;
• attracting foreign investments;
• establishing the premium niche that appeals to high rollers.

How Casino Venues Boost Traveller Numbers

At the GGC 2026 conference, Ruwan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Tourism Minister, highlighted the island’s substantial potential as a hub for technology development. He stressed that the country is well-positioned to scale up the neighbouring markets, including the strong tourist flow from India.

The nation’s long-term strategy makes it a platform for regional business growth. The expansion of the entertainment sphere and the boost in customer traffic are expected to support economic recovery and draw investment.

A key focus is the establishment of a sustainable high-end tourism sector:

1. In 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed a record 2.3 million visitors.
2. By 2030, authorities aim to reach 5 million annual arrivals.

However, current trends remain susceptible to external factors. Following the escalation in the Middle East, travel has declined by 30%, with 768 flight cancellations recorded.

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