### 📈 Event Management Sector Gains Official ‘Industry’ Status

The Event Management Association of Sri Lanka (EMA) achieved a historic milestone during its 7th AGM, securing formal recognition for the sector as a government-recognized industry. This move follows Cabinet approval and persistent advocacy to professionalize the events landscape. • Strategic Milestone The event management sector is now officially recognized as an industry, moving beyond a service-based classification. President Saliya Weerasekera noted this opens doors for structured growth, better regulation, and enhanced economic respect. • Economic Impact & Standards The sector will now focus on setting a "Gold Standard" through: Professional Benchmarks: Implementing rigorous industry-wide criteria. Global Integration: Strengthening existing partnerships, such as the EEMA India collaboration, to adopt international best practices. Capacity Building: Ongoing initiatives like the EMA Staff Workshop to upskill the workforce, supporting wider employment and economic diversification. • Leadership for 2026/2027 The newly appointed Executive Committee, led by President Saliya Weerasekera and Vice President Bathiya Jayakody, is tasked with transitioning the sector from mere recognition to becoming a sustainable, world-class ecosystem. • Key Past Initiatives Recognition was bolstered by successful community and professional projects, including the Hadagasma Concert and social responsibility efforts via the Help Apeksha Fundraiser.