The Event Management Association (EMA) of Sri Lanka marked a historic milestone during its
7 th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on January 27, 2026, at the Burgher Recreation Club
(BRC). The evening was defined by a celebration of past achievements and a transformative
announcement for the future of the events landscape in Sri Lanka.
A Legacy of Impactful Initiatives
Outgoing President Nisal Caldera addressed the assembly, reflecting on a highly successful
tenure characterized by community engagement and professional development. Highlighting
the association’s recent triumphs, Caldera revisited several key projects:
The Hadagasma Concert: A landmark event.
EMA Staff Workshop: Focused on upskilling the backbone of the industry.
The Help Apeksha Fundraiser: Demonstrating the industry’s commitment to social
responsibility.
EEMA India Partnership: Strengthening cross-border networking and knowledge
exchange with the Event and Entertainment Management Association of India.
A Historic Milestone: Official Industry Status
The highlight of the evening was the inaugural address by the newly elected President, Saliya
Weerasekera. Following years of persistent advocacy, Weerasekera proudly announced that the
Event Management sector has finally attained formal recognition as an industry.
This achievement follows the recent securing of Cabinet approval, a feat made possible through
the dedicated support of the Honorable Minister of Industries, Sunil Hadunneththi, alongside
the tireless efforts of the Ministry staff and the EMA.
“Formal recognition as an industry opens doors to structured growth, better regulation, and the
economic respect our sector deserves” said Weerasekera.
Leading the Future: The New Executive Committee
The AGM also served as the platform to introduce the leadership team tasked with navigating
this new era. The newly appointed Executive Committee members for the 2026/2027 term
include a diverse group of veterans and innovators dedicated to the EMA’s mission.
Setting the “Gold Standard”
President Saliya Weerasekera set a bold vision for his term, emphasizing that the focus will now
shift from recognition to excellence. “It is now time to elevate the industry and set gold
standards in everything we do. We will achieve this through rigorous professional benchmarks,
deeper collaboration with international partners, and a commitment to global best practices.”
The proceedings concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by the newly appointed Vice
President, Bathiya Jayakody, who expressed gratitude to the members and partners for their
unwavering support in professionalizing the industry.
The EMA remains the apex body for event professionals in Sri Lanka, dedicated to fostering a
sustainable, ethical, and world-class event ecosystem.
