MICE Training Programme - 2026
📍 𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 !
The Regional MICE Training Programme held at NH Ceysands, Bentota on 10th June 2026 was a truly inspiring and impactful event bringing together hoteliers, venue providers, and tourism stakeholders from across the Southern Province.
🌊 Chairman of the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, Mr. P.G.G.S. Jayan Godakanda, emphasized that Southern Sri Lanka is not just a location, it is a MICE venue and a hub full of untapped potential. He called on all participants to join hands and work in an integrated manner highlighting that the Bureau is already implementing development plans and has exciting promotional programmes in the pipeline for the South.
🤝 Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, reaffirmed that the SLCB has roadshows, exhibitions, and promotional programmes planned to bring international MICE buyers to Sri Lanka and that the Convention Bureau stands ready to work hand in hand with the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau at every step.
💡 Participants learned how to become MICE ready in 2026 from technology integration and hybrid event capabilities, to sustainable practices, experience design, and smart sales & marketing strategies.
🌍 Mr. Dileep Mudadeniya, Senior Vice President of Global Alliances & Partnerships at John Keells Leisure, walked participants through current global MICE market trends and what it takes to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Drawing from his vast experience, he shared valuable real-world examples that gave participants a clear and practical picture of where the industry is heading and how to be prepared.🌿 Ms. Paddy Paul, Managing Director of Golden Isle Pvt Ltd and Board Member of SLITHM helped participants understand the true strengths, opportunities, and challenges of Southern Sri Lanka as a MICE destination. Most importantly, she inspired everyone to approach those challenges with a positive mindset showing that the South has far more to offer than many realise.
🏨 Mr. Asanka Fernando,Director of Sales & Marketing at Marriott Weligama opened participants' eyes to how world-class venues globally plan their MICE readiness years in advance. He guided hoteliers and venue providers on how to recognise the unique potential of their own locations and take the right steps to become truly MICE-ready.
🎯 As Dr. Shaffaath Amidon powerfully reminded us "In MICE, we create moments where people meet with purpose and leave with results." Hotels are no longer just venue suppliers. We are event-performance partners.
📲 Ms. Gayathri Seneviratne, Digital Data-Driven Strategist and Travel Tech Specialist, guided participants on how embracing marketing technology and digital trends is no longer optional it is essential for any MICE destination or venue looking to compete in today's fast-moving global market.
🙏 We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mrs. M.K.N. Gunawardhana, Managing Director of the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau and all the dedicated officials of the Bureau whose hard work and commitment made this programme a success.
Special recognition also goes to Ms. Kumudu Hennadige Research and Development Training Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and the entire SLCB staff team whose support and coordination were invaluable in bringing this event together.
The South has the beaches, the heritage, the nature, the venues and now, the knowledge and the partnerships to make it happen.
Southern Sri Lanka is open for business. 🇱🇰✨
#RuhunutouristBureau #MICE #SouthernSriLanka #MICETourism #SLCB #SriLankaTourism #RTB
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau
