Sri Lanka positions as Asia-Pacific medical tourism hub with GlobalHealth

From left: Canon Medical Systems Corporation Global Healthcare IT GM Ravi Shrestha, Global Health Asia-Pacific Founder and Director Narender Panjwani, Global Health Sri Lanka Summit Franchise Partner Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, and Omni Health MD Nuru Baran at the media briefing – Pic by Upul Abayasekara 

• GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific launches Sri Lanka summit as airline partnerships boost medical tourism push

By Amira Cader 

Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to position itself as a leading medical tourism and wellness destination in the Asia-Pacific, with the launch of the Sri Lanka GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Conference, Summit and Awards 2026 and a parallel push to promote the country’s healthcare capabilities through major international airline platforms.

GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific (GHAPAC) formally announced the Sri Lanka edition of its flagship Conference, Summit and Awards at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo, which will also mark the 10th anniversary of the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards. 

The two-day event will take place on 19 to 20 May 2026, representing GHAPAC’s first dedicated healthcare awards and knowledge platform in Sri Lanka.

GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Chairman Narender Panjwani said the Sri Lanka platform is designed as a pan-Asian ecosystem for recognition, knowledge exchange and collaboration, while converting global visibility into measurable patient flows.

“Medical tourism today is not just about treatment; it is about trust, accessibility and global reach. By aligning with major airline platforms and launching this regional summit in Sri Lanka, we are placing the country’s healthcare ecosystem directly in front of a global audience,” he said.

The Sri Lanka edition represents a key milestone in GHAPAC’s regional expansion and will recognise hospitals, medical centres, clinics, wellness and aesthetic centres across more than 30 specialist categories, including oncology, cardiology, dentistry, aesthetics and preventive healthcare. Alongside the awards gala, the program will feature a conference and summit focused on healthcare standards, innovation, patient safety and future-ready healthcare systems.

World Rural Tourism Council Vice Chairman Dr. Rohantha Athukorala emphasised the importance of branding and transparency in medical tourism. 

“Patients choose destinations where information is clear, standards are visible and outcomes are credible. Airline platforms offer an unmatched level of trust and exposure for healthcare destinations,” he said.

Adding a technology and quality-of-care perspective, Canon Medical Systems Corporation General Manager, Global Healthcare IT Senior Director and Jury Member of the awards Dr. Ravi Bikram said digital capability and clinical excellence would be critical to sustaining medical tourism growth.

“Patients today are increasingly informed and technology-aware. Destinations that combine clinical expertise with digital health systems, data-driven care and international standards will gain long-term credibility. Sri Lanka has strong potential to scale its medical tourism offering by aligning technology, quality and patient experience,” He noted.

Nawaloka Hospitals, was honoured with the prestigious title of Leading Hospital in AI and Innovation of the Year in Asia Pacific at the GlobalHealth Asia Pacific Awards held in Bangkok last year. The landmark achievement first time a Sri Lankan hospital has secured this title places Sri Lanka firmly on the global healthcare innovation map and highlights the country’s capability to deliver advanced, technology-driven medical care. 

Crucially, the initiative is closely aligned with Sri Lanka’s ambitions to grow medical tourism and wellness travel. As part of this strategy, GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific has secured visibility across five prominent international airlines, allowing Sri Lanka’s private healthcare and wellness offerings to be showcased directly to millions of long-haul passengers through in-flight publications, digital platforms and strategic brand placements.

Founded in 2011, GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific is a well-established regional healthcare platform that convenes policymakers, healthcare providers, hospital groups and innovators across Asia-Pacific. It has hosted high-impact conferences and awards in markets including Thailand, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with its awards journey beginning in Thailand in 2016.

The event is supported by industry sponsors including IHH Healthcare, OmniHealth and For The Optics, reflecting strong private-sector engagement in Sri Lanka’s healthcare and wellness journey.

With global demand for wellness travel and elective medical procedures rising, Sri Lanka’s medical tourism offering—spanning advanced clinical care, Ayurveda, wellness and recovery—supported by skilled professionals and competitive pricing, and amplified through international airline partnerships, is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a preferred Asia-Pacific healthcare destination.