The UCN Global 2026 Conference has officially commenced in Colombo under the patronage of Minister of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka.
The conference brings together business leaders, company representatives and international partners from the global freight forwarding and logistics industry.
Organised by UConnect Worldwide (UCN), an international business network, the conference is being held at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams in Colombo and will continue until October 16.
The event provides a platform for UCN members and industry representatives to establish business connections, exchange ideas and explore new opportunities through face-to-face business meetings, networking sessions and collaborative activities.
Approximately 300 local and international delegates are participating in the conference.
Hosting the event in Sri Lanka is expected to strengthen international partnerships in freight forwarding and logistics, particularly in connection with the Port of Colombo, while creating opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to connect with overseas business partners.
Addressing the conference, UConnect Worldwide CEO Andrew Smithurst said the event would help generate demand for hotels, transport and other services through the arrival of foreign delegates. He added that it would also contribute to positioning Sri Lanka as a destination for international business meetings.
Meanwhile, Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the conference represented a broad range of opportunities to support Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
He further noted that engagements with international business leaders through the conference would mark another step towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s integration with the global business community.
Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation W.W.S. Mangala, UConnect Worldwide CEO Andrew Smithurst and several other distinguished guests attended the event.
