Friday Feb 06, 2026
Friday Feb 06, 2026
Friday, 6 February 2026 02:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The 18th Sri Lanka Islamic Banking and Finance Industry (SLIBFI) Conference, organised by UTO EduConsult, will be held on Thursday, 12 February 2026, from 9.00 a.m. 3.30 p.m. at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.
The event, which was first held almost two decades ago, will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners to discuss the evolving role of Islamic finance in strengthening Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and future growth.
As the theme ‘Strengthening Sri Lanka’s economic story through Islamic Finance’ suggests, the day’s topics will have a significant emphasis on how the Islamic Banking and Finance (IBF) industry can contribute to economic growth via the development of capital markets, technological innovation and other endeavours that would rapidly transform financial landscape.
The 18th SLIBFI Conference comes at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, following a year of improving macroeconomic indicators, renewed investor confidence as evidenced by a buoyant stock market, and the landmark listing of the country’s first Sukuk, which represents a significant milestone for the IBF industry.
The conference agenda will feature a series of high-level plenary sessions and panel discussions, including:
nHow the IBF industry has served as a catalyst to the Sri Lankan economy, detailing its contribution to the GDP as well as market development and international competitiveness
nThe role of Islamic Capital Markets (ICM), with a primary focus on Sukuk, but also including discussions on White-listed stocks, unit trusts, and REITs
nThe use of technology, including the role of fintech, digital platforms, data-driven strategies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing efficiency, compliance, and sustainability in Islamic financial institutions
nThe complementary roles played by Islamic Finance, the Halal food Industry as well as Halal-friendly Tourism, and their collective impact on the national economy
Marking a significant milestone for the industry, People’s Leasing & Finance PLC – Al Safa has come on board as the Platinum Partner for the conference, coinciding with the organisation’s 20th anniversary in Islamic Finance.
The 18th SLIBFI Conference is poised to serve as a timely and impactful platform for professional engagement, thought leadership, and collaboration on the expanding role of Islamic finance within Sri Lanka’s broader economic framework.
