Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention in Colombo: A Cultural and Economic Boost for Sri Lanka Tourism at the Convention Center

Published on September 8, 2025

In September 2025, the Sugathadasa Indoor and Outdoor Stadium in Colombo became the vibrant heart of the International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Held from September 5 to 7, this three-day event brought together over 14,000 participants, including 3,500 international delegates from 10 countries. The convention not only served as a spiritual gathering but also made a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector, marking a turning point in cultural exchange and religious tourism.

A Historic Event at the Sugathadasa Stadium

The event took place at the iconic Sugathadasa Indoor and Outdoor Stadium, one of Colombo’s prominent venues, where the unique blend of spiritual teachings, cultural exchange, and community unity took place. The convention was part of the annual global “Pure Worship” series organized by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The series is designed to foster spiritual enrichment through discussions, video presentations, and workshops. In Sri Lanka, this event became a celebration not just of faith, but also of the cultural and social ties that bind the international community together.

Bringing Global and Local Communities Together

The convention was not only a gathering for religious teachings but also a space for connection. With international delegates attending from countries such as the United States, Greece, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, the Czech Republic, and Nepal, the event facilitated meaningful cultural exchanges and showcased Sri Lanka as a welcoming destination for global travelers.

The local community, including Sri Lankan members of Jehovah’s Witnesses, also actively participated in the convention, contributing to the success of the event. This diverse participation highlighted the role of such conventions in uniting individuals from different backgrounds and fostering a shared sense of community and purpose.

Spiritual Discourses and Cultural Presentations

At the heart of the convention were spiritual discourses, video presentations, and panel discussions designed to inspire and educate participants about love, compassion, and unity—values central to the mission of JW.ORG. The event was carefully designed to engage attendees through a combination of educational and spiritual content. These sessions were aimed at providing a deeper understanding of faith and offering insights into the timeless teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, while also encouraging attendees to apply these values in their everyday lives.

For the attendees, the event was much more than just a religious experience. It was an opportunity to engage with others who shared similar values and beliefs, forging new friendships and deepening existing connections. This communal atmosphere, marked by respect and shared purpose, made the event memorable for all involved.

Positive Impact on Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry

In addition to its spiritual significance, the event had a remarkable economic impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. The convention contributed an estimated $7.6 million in direct tourism revenue. This was largely attributed to the influx of international visitors who stayed at over 12 luxury hotels in Colombo. Many delegates and participants extended their stay to explore other parts of Sri Lanka, including Galle, Pinnawala, Yala National Park, and Nuwara Eliya, further boosting the country’s tourism industry.

This surge in tourism aligned with Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to attract global travelers. The influx of Jehovah’s Witnesses from around the world highlighted the potential for faith-based tourism in Sri Lanka. Religious conventions, like the one held in Colombo, offer a unique way to promote tourism while fostering intercultural exchange and understanding.

The Convention’s Contribution to Sri Lanka’s Economy

The Secretary to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Pradeep Saputhanthri, commended the success of the convention, noting how it demonstrated Sri Lanka’s capability to host large-scale international events. The collaboration between the convention organizers, government agencies, and the hospitality sector was praised for being seamless, with each party contributing to the event’s success. Saputhanthri emphasized that the benefits of hosting such conventions would extend beyond Colombo, helping to enhance Sri Lanka’s reputation as a global destination for international faith-based travel.

A senior spokesperson from Sri Lanka’s tourism industry also spoke highly of the visitors attending the convention, calling them “exemplary.” The attendees were described as peaceful, well-organized, and highly respectful, making them ideal visitors for Sri Lanka. The convention’s positive impact on local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers, was significant. The tourism industry recognized the long-term value of hosting such events, as they helped to position Sri Lanka as a welcoming and culturally rich destination for travelers of all backgrounds.

A Global Mission with Local Benefits

With over 8.5 million members worldwide, Jehovah’s Witnesses hold such conventions on various continents every year, contributing not only to spiritual enrichment but also to meaningful economic contributions in the host cities. The 2025 Colombo convention is no exception, with its success likely to encourage similar future events in Sri Lanka. These events help position the country as an attractive destination for international gatherings, further bolstering its tourism sector.

Moreover, such conventions underscore the broader role of international faith-based gatherings in strengthening economic ties and promoting cultural tourism. The successful hosting of this event demonstrates Sri Lanka’s potential to attract more global conferences and religious events, which in turn can support both the local economy and the nation’s ongoing tourism recovery.

Conclusion: A Model for Future Events

The 2025 International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Colombo stands as a model for how Sri Lanka can successfully host international-scale events while strengthening its tourism industry. The convention’s positive economic impact, coupled with its cultural exchange opportunities, highlights the importance of such events in the country’s tourism recovery and growth.

By promoting Sri Lanka as a welcoming destination for global visitors, Sri Lanka can continue to leverage these conventions to enhance its tourism sector. The combination of religious gatherings and cultural tourism creates a powerful tool for attracting diverse international visitors, fostering goodwill, and ensuring the long-term success of Sri Lanka as a global tourism destination.

[Source: Daily FT]