Event Management Sector Officially Recognized as an Industry at the 7th EMA Annual General Meeting
The Event Management Association (EMA) of Sri Lanka marked a historic milestone during its 7th 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.
SEATED (From Left to Right) Azmath Jahn (Treasurer), Uzmaan Ghouse (Secretary), Bathiya Jayakody (Vice President), Nisal Caldera (Past President), Saliya Weerasekara (President), Gayan Attanayake (Vice President), Janice Hakel Ranasinghe (Asst. Secretary), Romesh Fernando (Asst. Treasurer).
STANDING (From Left to Right) Saminda Wathawanavithanage, Serul Wimalasena, Mikke Abaysinghe, Charm Dias, Kosala Sureshchandra, Oshadee Withanawasam, Amila Shan, Lanil Premaratne.
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.
Image Captions
Event Management Association (EMA) AGM 2026.