TLDR
- At the Global Game Connect 2026 summit, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Tourism Minister revealed ambitious plans to establish Colombo as a gaming technology center
- City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a $1.2 billion integrated resort, launched in Colombo during 2025, focusing on affluent South Asian visitors
- Officials have set a target of welcoming 3 million international tourists in 2026, with gaming serving as a major attraction
- Annual gaming sector revenue is forecasted to hit $250 million
- Gaming industry taxation has increased to 18% to strengthen government coffers
Sri Lanka has unveiled an aggressive strategy to develop its gaming sector as a cornerstone for attracting tourists and foreign capital. Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe presented the government’s vision during the Global Game Connect 2026 summit held in Colombo.
According to Ranasinghe, officials are committed to establishing Colombo as a center for gaming technology and capital investment. He emphasized collaborations with Chinese enterprises and nations as central to this initiative.
The deputy minister explained that authorities are establishing appropriate regulatory frameworks and technological infrastructure. The objective is to position the gaming sector as a fundamental component of Sri Lanka’s tourism blueprint, rather than a peripheral offering.
Historically, gaming operations in Sri Lanka were confined to modest gaming establishments distributed throughout the country. This landscape has undergone significant transformation recently.
The integrated resort and gaming segment has emerged as a rapidly developing component of the tourism sector. Government officials now view it as a vehicle for attracting premium visitors and channeling investment into the capital city.
City of Dreams Raises Sri Lanka’s Profile
A pivotal development occurred in 2025 with the inauguration of the $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka in Colombo. This integrated entertainment complex elevated the nation’s standing as a gaming venue for affluent South Asian tourists, particularly those from India.
From the administration’s perspective, City of Dreams represents far more than a hospitality property. It demonstrates Sri Lanka’s capacity to accommodate ambitious developments and draw visitors prepared to invest in gaming, leisure activities, and premium accommodations.
Ranasinghe also emphasized Sri Lanka’s geographic position as a crucial competitive advantage. The island nation is situated adjacent to India, which possesses an enormous and expanding gaming marketplace.
He explained that Sri Lanka can function as a strategic base where emerging enterprises can establish their presence and access regional customers with greater efficiency. The proximity to India provides the nation with an inherent edge.
The administration is additionally leveraging industry conferences to draw business professionals and potential investors. The GGC 2026 summit was designed to showcase Colombo to international corporations seeking fresh markets and partnership opportunities.
Such gatherings demonstrate that Sri Lanka possesses the capability to host major gaming and technology conferences. They also reflect the government’s dedication to sector development.
Revenue Targets and Tax Changes
Government officials have established concrete benchmarks for the gaming sector. A primary objective involves attracting 3 million international tourists during 2026.
Authorities anticipate the gaming industry will contribute significantly to achieving this figure by drawing visitors with higher spending capacity. Annual gaming sector revenue is forecasted to reach approximately $250 million.
To ensure government participation in this growth, the taxation rate applied to gaming operations has been elevated to 18%. This adjustment is anticipated to bolster national treasury income.
For policymakers, gaming expansion, rising international visitor numbers, and enhanced tax collections are interconnected elements. They form part of a comprehensive approach to stimulate economic growth.
Sri Lanka is continuing to refine its gaming industry regulatory environment. The anticipated $250 million in yearly gaming proceeds and the 18% taxation rate represent the most recent elements of the government’s plan to establish gaming as a fundamental component of its tourism framework.
