EXPO 2020 DUBAI, one of the largest and most prestigious global events of its kind originally set to take place last year, is now rescheduled to be held for a period of six months starting on October 1 until March 31, 2022.

The Expo, spanning over a 438-hectare area (1083 acres) is portrayed to be a gathering place, where the world comes together to create a better tomorrow. The event will be enclosed by three large thematic districts of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

Sri Lanka will be participating at a specially designed and dedicated pavilion in the ‘Opportunity District’ of the Expo Village in a 300 sq meter space.

The pavilion with its water-based theme was designed by a team from the University of Moratuwa and has been recognized as one of the best designs at Expo 2020 Dubai resulting in the Sri Lankan pavilion being constructed on a complimentary basis by the Expo organizers.

The pavilion showcases the hydraulic civilization in a touristic perspective bringing out the three positioning pillars of Authenticity, Compactness and Diversity while taking visitors on a journey through history, culture, nature, people, and many facets of the destination through storytelling to inspire and showcase Sri Lanka to the world.

Silent display screens at the pavilion will feature the unique facets of the island in all its wonder and awe and Sri Lanka Tourism is in the process of developing the required video and digital content for the pavilion thereby creating digital content for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism has built a coalition in presenting Sri Lanka as a strong and vibrant country at Expo 2020 Dubai in partnership with the Sri Lanka Embassy in UAE and the Consulate in Dubai, Gem & Jewelry Authority, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Laksala, Board of Investment, Port City, Sri Lankan Airlines, and the National Chamber of Exporters.

Fun Time Events have been planned together with VFS Global supports as the Event Management Partners selected through a government tender process.

Speaking about the event, Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism commented, “Sri Lanka Tourism has had very little time and resources to prepare for EXPO 2020 DUBAI, however despite the challenges we have curated a spectacular pavilion and offering and are ready for EXPO 2020 DUBAI.

“Our unique pavilion will communicate to the World the multitude of experiences available for travellers to explore. We are in the process of developing some amazing digital content which will be showcased at the Expo. Most importantly we have partnered and built a coalition with other line agencies to ensure we win growth opportunities for Sri Lanka.

The BOI will lead with the Investment drive, the Tea board will showcase our tea heritage and the Gem & Jewellery Authority will promote our world-famous sapphires”.