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The main conference of "The World CIO 200 Grand Finale - 2026", hosted for the first time by Sri Lanka, was held on the 23rd of September 2026 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel premises in Colombo, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and with the participation of the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena.

This programme organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, commenced with the participation of over 200 global technology leaders and enterprise heads representing more than 50 countries worldwide. Held from September 22 to 24, this event will also serve as a platform enabling global technology experts to share their technical knowledge through a single network.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dr. Arusha Cooray, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology Dr. Roshinie Dissanayake, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai Alexi Gunasekera, and CEO and Co-Founder of Global Enterprise Connect Ronak Samantaray, alongside a large number of local and foreign dignitaries from the technology sector.

Marking the commencement of the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 being hosted by Sri Lanka for the first time, the inaugural feature event, the "CIO Tech Marathon 2026," was launched September 22, 2026 afternoon near the Independence Square premises in Colombo, under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena.

A large number of competitors representing 50 countries around the world participated in this event. Distinguished guests attending the inauguration included Dr. Arusha Cooray, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Roshanie Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Alexi Gunasekera, Sri Lankan Consul General in Dubai, and Ronak Samantaray, CEO and Co-Founder of Global Enterprise Connect.

Dr. Roshani Dissanayake assumed duties as the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology before Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena at the Ministry premises in Sethsiripaya.

Holding a Ph.D. in Law, Dr. Roshani Dissanayake served as the Additional Secretary (Regional Administration Reforms) of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government prior to her appointment as Ministry Secretary. A Special Grade officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), she has led numerous major legal and institutional reform initiatives, including digital transformation programs.

Dr. Dissanayake’s interdisciplinary academic background spans the fields of law, public management, international relations, and science, and she has authored several academic publications. Her scholarly focus centers on administrative law, environmental law, and sustainable development governance.

The Ministry extends its best wishes to the newly appointed Secretary in providing leadership toward creating a science, technology, and innovation ecosystem capable of solving national and global challenges while improving the quality of life for the people.

In line with the National Integrity Week held alongside the "Clean Sri Lanka" national programme, the "V-Pramithi" National Programme organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology was launched today (28). The inaugural event, centered around the Pettah Public Market premises, was held under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeyesena.

A special initiative was carried out during the event, where officials visited shops within the Pettah Public Market to collect random samples of various consumer goods. These included street food, coconut oil, toys, food items such as jaggery and treacle, cosmetics, spices, and electrical appliances. Subsequently, quality reports assessing the standards and contents of these consumer goods are scheduled to be examined.

To ensure the safety of consumers in Sri Lanka, facilitate the circulation of high-quality goods in the market, and deliver them safely to the public, this vital programme is set to be implemented continuously in the future. The programme aims to improve two main areas: educating and motivating consumers to purchase reliable and hygienic goo , and encouraging entrepreneurs and business owners to manufacture and sell high-quality products that meet proper standards.

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board are providing technical support for this initiative. The programme is spearheaded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, with the collaborative support of multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Coconut Development Authority, Consumer Affairs Authority and the Sri Lanka Police.