Sri Lanka’s government has pledged strong support for the country’s emerging gaming sector, positioning it as a key driver of investment, tourism, and digital innovation.

Speaking at the two-day Global Game Connect (GGC) 2026 summit in Colombo on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, said authorities were committed to building a supportive environment for the industry to expand. Addressing delegates at Cinnamon Life within the City of Dreams Sri Lanka complex, he stressed that the government would play an active role in supporting both local and international stakeholders.

Abeysinghe placed strong emphasis on the role of innovation, noting that the gaming sector could extend beyond entertainment into wider economic value. “The technologies that you have can connect with the goods and services of this country and make them better, more accessible, and more attractive to the world,” he said.
 

Tech will drive the industry

He added that the combination of technical capability and creative input would be central to the industry’s growth. “Technology plus creativity will drive this industry further, and it is a privilege for Sri Lanka to be part of it,” he said.

The minister also highlighted Sri Lanka’s position in a shifting global environment, describing the country as a stable and neutral base for digital businesses. “Sri Lanka is playing a very strong politically neutral space where all businesses, especially digital businesses, can have their presence,” he said.

“We will give our fullest support to drive this industry both here and in the region.”

– Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister, Sri Lanka

Pointing to future opportunities, he said developments such as the Colombo Port City would help attract technology companies seeking to establish regional operations. “Port City is promisingly giving opportunities for tech companies to have their operations in Sri Lanka,” he noted.

Abeysinghe said the government would push the sector not only as a standalone industry, but also as a catalyst for broader economic activity. “We will be pushing hard to drive this industry further, both as a means of digital services and as a way of supporting other industries using gaming capabilities,” he said.

He also encouraged international visitors to explore the country beyond the capital, suggesting Sri Lanka’s culture could inspire future game development. “Do visit beyond Colombo… you will take these memories and probably create games out of what you see here, using the cultures, colours and music to add value to your work,” he said.Sri Lanka’s gaming sector has changed significantly in recent years. Once limited to small-scale establishments, it is now being developed as part of a broader integrated resort and tourism strategy. Officials believe the sector can help attract high-spending visitors, particularly from neighbouring markets such as India​

A major milestone came with the opening of the $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka in 2025, widely seen as a turning point in the country’s ambitions to position itself as a premium gaming destination in South Asia.
 

Country sets wider tourism goal

The government expects the sector to contribute to wider tourism goals, including a target of three million international arrivals in 2026. Industry estimates suggest the gaming segment could generate around $250 million in annual revenue, while also providing a growing stream of tax income.

Recent policy changes underline this approach. The tax rate on gaming has been increased from 15 percent to 18 percent, alongside a rise in casino entry levies, as authorities seek to strengthen public finances.

Regulation is also being overhauled. The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, passed in 2025 and enforced from December, establishes a single body to oversee casinos, betting, and online gaming. It replaces older laws and is intended to bring greater structure to the sector.

 

 

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