The Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO) marked a significant historical moment recently with the unanimous election of Ms. Nadeeka Leeniyagoda as its first-ever female President. The landmark decision, reached during the association’s 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Amari Colombo, signals a major stride for the national industry body and for Sri Lanka’s wider Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
A Vision for Inclusivity and Growth
Ms. Leeniyagoda, who serves as Assistant General Manager of Aitken Spence Travels, takes the helm of SLAPCEO, the sole industry association officially recognized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB). Established in 2002 to develop and strengthen the MICE industry, the association represents a diverse group of professionals, including Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), Professional Exhibition Organisers (PEOs), Event Management Companies (EMCs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Wedding Planners, and Event Venues. Its continued dedication to a stringent membership process underscores its role in maintaining high standards and integrity within the sector.
In her inaugural address, the newly elected President articulated an ambitious vision centered on building a more inclusive and progressive industry. She committed to key strategic priorities for the 2025=2026 term. These include a pledge to empower organisers in the informal sector to transition to the formal economy by enhancing local and international networking opportunities and improving their access to modern technology. Furthermore, Ms. Leeniyagoda vowed to strengthen collaborations with essential stakeholders such as the SLCB, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). A critical element of her strategy involves a focused investment in capacity building through the introduction of targeted training programs designed to inspire, engage, and ensure the active participation and future leadership of the Gen Z workforce in the MICE and events industry.
New Leadership Team Elected
The AGM, which saw the attendance of prominent industry stakeholders, including presidents of tourism associations and representatives from tourism authorities, also formalized the new administrative team for 2025–2026.
The Executive Committee Members elected alongside Ms. Leeniyagoda are: Mr. Oshadee Withanawasam (The International Institute of Knowledge Management Pvt Ltd) as Vice President, Ms. Dileesha Bulathsinhala (Asia Tours & Events (Pvt) Ltd) as Secretary, and Ms. Janice Hakel-Ranasinghe (Kairos Events & Weddings) as Treasurer.
The newly elected Committee Members include 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), and Mr. Lakshimaal Samarasinghe (Classic Destination (Pvt) Ltd).
SLAPCEO is expected to continue its integral role in private-sector decision-making forums, working closely with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, the Tourism Industry Skills Council (TISC), and other national institutions to solidify Sri Lanka’s standing as a premier MICE destination.
