SPiCE South Asia 2026 returns to Colombo for policy and market discussions

SPiCE South Asia 2026 runs March 24–26 at Shangri-La Colombo, convening gaming operators, investors, and regulators to examine how Sri Lanka’s reforms, along with growth across regional markets, are positioning South Asia for expanded iGaming activity.

Sri Lanka is creating the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to centralize market regulation. The GRA “is expected to be fully operational by 30 June 2026,” according to event organizers.

The authority is intended to modernize national oversight and support a framework intended to encourage investment and responsible supervision across the sector.

Reform discussions are set to form part of the agenda as stakeholders evaluate current developments in gaming and hospitality.

Three-day conference program

The seventh edition of the Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition (SPiCE) South Asia returns to Colombo with a program featuring:

• Expert-led sessions on regulation, compliance, investment, technology, destination development, workforce issues, and integrity
• Regional market analysis focused on South Asia’s regulated gaming hubs
• Market intelligence on responsible and commercially sustainable operations
• Business meetings centered on potential partnerships, joint ventures, and deals

Networking events include the SP’iCE’ Breaker Welcoming Reception, the SPiCE South Asia Eventus Awards Ceremony, and the SPiCE It Up Poker Tournament.

Participants and speaker lineup

Organizers list a group of executives, advisors, and public-sector representatives scheduled to participate. Speakers include:

• Bolormaa Ganbold, Senior Director, Murray International
• Danny Too, VP – Sales, MediaPro
• Dr. Dharshana Weerakoon, Group COO, ADN Holdings Private Limited
• Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chairman, Committee on Public Finance, Parliament of Sri Lanka
• Gaurav Sawant, Founder & CEO, The Nestling Network
• Mahesh Madan Bhat, Founder, MMB Legal
• Niall Murray, Chairman, Murray International
• Prasad Narasimha, CEO & Director, Sherlock’s Hospitality
• Joe Pisano, CEO, Jade Entertainment & Gaming Technologies Inc.
• R. Sivam, General Manager, Majestic Pride Lanka
• Rushda Niyas, Managing Director, JAAR Law
• Sajith Ansar, Founder & CEO, Idea Spice Design
• Sandeep Chawdhury, Director – Business Development, Bally’s Entertainment Sri Lanka

Event organizers say additional speakers will join the lineup.

The event will bring together stakeholders from gaming, legal, tourism, and hospitality markets seeking regulatory clarity and operational expansion across the region. Sessions and meetings will take place at a single venue to support direct engagement among attendees throughout the three-day gathering.