The landscape of Sri Lanka’s technological advancement reached a significant milestone on June 16, 2026, as the Expo Leisure Cluster secured an unprecedented six accolades during the 8th Annual SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards (SNIA). This prestigious event, which was convened at the sophisticated ITC Ratnadipa, served as a platform to recognise the most groundbreaking contributions to the nation’s digital economy, with the Expo Leisure Cluster emerging as a dominant force in the categories of travel, tourism, and educational technology.
The achievements garnered by the cluster underscore a strategic commitment to digital transformation, reflecting an institutional drive to refine and elevate the service standards provided to the Global Sri Lankan community. By integrating sophisticated software solutions with traditional service models, the Expo Leisure Cluster has effectively positioned itself at the vanguard of innovation, demonstrating that the future of the Sri Lankan hospitality and travel sectors is inextricably linked to technological proficiency.
A Comprehensive Triumph in Innovation
The recognition bestowed upon the Expo Leisure Cluster was distributed across several of its key ventures, most notably EVS Study Fly, Classic Travel, and the EVS EZ Visa App. EVS Study Fly, an initiative designed to facilitate the complex requirements of student travel and international education, was distinguished as the Western Province Winner for both the Best Innovative Product in Edu-Tech and the Best Innovative Product in E-Commerce.
Furthermore, the national impact of this product was solidified when it was declared the National Winner for the Best Innovative Product in Edu-Tech and the First Runner-Up in the National Best Innovative Product in E-Commerce category. Such multi-layered recognition highlight the versatility and the robust architecture of the Study Fly platform, which addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by students seeking global opportunities.
In the realm of hospitality, Classic Travel’s Competitor IQ was honoured as the National Winner for the Best Innovative Product in Hospitality. This tool represents a significant leap in data-driven decision-making, providing stakeholders with the analytical insights necessary to navigate a competitive and rapidly evolving global market. Similarly, the EZ Visa App, developed by EVS, was named the National Winner in the Best Innovative Product in E-Commerce category, further illustrating the cluster’s ability to streamline administrative processes through intuitive digital interfaces.
Strategic Vision and Leadership
The success of these initiatives is a testament to the visionary leadership within the Expo Leisure Cluster, where a culture of innovation is actively nurtured to meet the shifting demands of a modern clientele. Ashani Jayawickrama, the Head of IT at Expo Leisure, emphasized that these accolades are a direct result of an unwavering dedication to customer service excellence.
Ms Jayawickrama noted that innovation within the organisation transcends the mere application of technology; it is fundamentally about ensuring that every interaction between the company and its customers is more effective, meaningful, and grounded in trust. This perspective is instrumental in maintaining the high standards of service that the Global Sri Lankan community has come to expect from the Expo Leisure Cluster.
In a parallel sentiment, Sabry Bahaudeen, the Director and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Expo Leisure, remarked that being honoured in multiple categories at one of the country’s leading technology ceremonies is a significant milestone for the entire cluster. He highlighted that these wins are reflective of the collective strength of their teams and a commitment to leveraging technology as a catalyst for growth across the travel, tourism, and education sectors.
Enhancing Global Accessibility
The practical applications of these award-winning products are particularly relevant to Sri Lankans living abroad who require efficient and reliable services when coordinating travel or educational pursuits. The EZ Visa App, for instance, simplifies what is traditionally a cumbersome and often opaque process, offering a streamlined digital experience that is accessible from anywhere in the world. This focus on accessibility is a cornerstone of the cluster’s strategy, ensuring that geographical boundaries do not hinder the quality of service provided.
Moreover, the success of EVS Study Fly illustrates the growing importance of edu-tech in supporting the aspirations of the younger generation. By providing a platform that integrates education and travel services, the Expo Leisure Cluster is facilitating a more seamless transition for students embarking on international academic journeys, thereby contributing to the intellectual capital of the broader Sri Lankan community.
The Role of SLASSCOM in Sri Lanka’s Tech Ecosystem
The SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards have established themselves as a premier platform for the recognition of technological excellence in Sri Lanka. By celebrating the achievements of organisations, startups, and educational institutions, SLASSCOM fosters an environment where groundbreaking solutions can thrive. The recognition of the Expo Leisure Cluster at such a high level indicates that established players in the travel and tourism industry are successfully pivoting towards a tech-first approach, which is essential for the nation’s long-term economic resilience.
The rigorous evaluation process of the awards ensures that only the most impactful and innovative products are highlighted, making the six-award sweep by the Expo Leisure Cluster an even more remarkable feat. It serves as an inspiration for other entities within the South Asian region to invest in research and development, ensuring that the local industry remains competitive on a global scale.
Future-Ready Solutions for a Changing World
As the global travel and tourism sectors continue to recover and evolve in the post-pandemic era, the reliance on digital infrastructure has never been more pronounced. The Expo Leisure Cluster’s investment in products like Competitor IQ demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that prioritises data over intuition. By providing hospitality professionals with the tools to analyse market trends and competitor performance, the cluster is helping to build a more robust and responsive industry.
The commitment to developing future-ready solutions is evident in every facet of the cluster’s recent successes. Whether it is through simplifying visa applications or enhancing the e-commerce experience for educational travel, the focus remains steadfast on delivering lasting value. For the members of eLanka and the wider community, these advancements represent more than just corporate success; they signify a more connected and efficient future where technology serves as a bridge to opportunity.
In conclusion, the six awards won by the Expo Leisure Cluster at the 2026 SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards mark a turning point for digital innovation in Sri Lanka. Under the leadership of professionals like Ashani Jayawickrama and Sabry Bahaudeen, the cluster has proven that it is possible to combine traditional service excellence with cutting-edge technology. As they continue to innovate, the benefits will undoubtedly be felt by the Global Sri Lankan community, further solidifying Sri Lanka’s reputation as a hub for technological ingenuity.
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