SiGMA South Asia 2025: A Milestone for Sri Lanka’s Gaming Future and Global Partnerships

The SiGMA South Asia 2025 summit, held in the heart of Colombo at the ultra-modern Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, has firmly established itself as a major event for the gaming, technology, and investment sectors in Sri Lanka and South Asia. Over several days, the exhibition and conference brought together key international stakeholders—diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders—to explore opportunities and chart a path forward for regulated iGaming in the region.

The summit kicked off with a Malta Day Reception, celebrating Malta’s Republic Day while emphasizing the growing partnership between the Malta and Sri Lanka. The event featured insightful speeches from prominent figures such as H.E. Reuben Gauci, Malta’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Pramuditha Manusinghe from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group.

SiGMA: A Catalyst for Industry Growth and Regulatory Reform

A central theme throughout the summit was the importance of regulating the gaming industry to promote transparency, accountability, and fair play for both players and operators. SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis addressed the gathering with a compelling vision for the future of global gaming markets. Over the last decade, SiGMA has championed the adoption of regulatory frameworks in various countries, driving investment, and ensuring safer environments for online gaming.

“The future of gaming is regulation. The more governments understand the benefits of regulated markets, the more they will realize the importance of protecting players and fostering industry growth,” said Pulis. “Countries such as Malta, Brazil, Singapore, and the UAE have already paved the way, and Sri Lanka has the opportunity to be a leader in this space.”

Pulis also touched on SiGMA’s broader vision, which extends beyond business growth. Through the SiGMA Foundation, the organization has supported numerous community-focused initiatives across the globe, including healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation programs. His call to action was clear: SiGMA aims to uplift millions, not just through business, but through making a real difference in people’s lives.

Diplomatic Engagement and Strengthening Ties

The Malta Day reception was a symbolic moment of international diplomacy, underscoring the growing relationship between Sri Lanka and Malta. H.E. Reuben Gauci, Malta’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, highlighted the business-driven diplomacy between the two nations. With Malta’s iGaming sector contributing 13.6% to national GDP, Gauci underscored the potential benefits that regulated gaming could bring to Sri Lanka’s economy.

“By collaborating with companies like SiGMA, Sri Lanka can unlock significant economic benefits while ensuring the integrity of the iGaming sector. SiGMA’s presence here is a testament to the strong partnership we are building,” said Gauci.

He also spoke about the importance of international cooperation in building more robust, transparent industries. With Sri Lanka strategically positioned as a hub for digital transformation in South Asia, Gauci emphasized that Malta’s expertise could play a crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitions in the gaming and tech sectors.

Sri Lanka’s Growing Role in the Global iGaming Market

Sri Lanka’s desire to become a prominent player in the global gaming industry was also reflected in the remarks by Pramuditha Manusinghe of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Representing the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Manusinghe reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable development, technology, and innovation. He highlighted how international collaboration, especially in the gaming and technology sectors, aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader development goals.

“We are a nation of islands, connected by oceans and shared values. Our future growth is intertwined with that of the global community,” said Manusinghe. “We are keen to explore innovative avenues of cooperation that can bring long-term prosperity, especially in emerging sectors like iGaming.”

SiGMA Foundation’s Global Impact

Another key highlight of the event was the SiGMA Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support global social causes. SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis spoke passionately about the Foundation’s mission, which aims to help lift communities out of poverty, support healthcare initiatives, and provide educational opportunities.

The Foundation’s work spans various regions, from Africa to Southeast Asia, and has made a tangible impact on over 250,000 lives. At the Sri Lanka event, Pulis shared his vision for the future: “Success, for us, is not just measured by revenue but by the positive impact we have on people’s lives. If we can help elevate one million people above the poverty line, we will consider our mission accomplished,” he concluded.

The Future of iGaming in Sri Lanka

With SiGMA’s advocacy and the collective efforts of international stakeholders, Sri Lanka is poised to embrace regulated gaming as a key component of its digital economy. The summit provided an invaluable opportunity for local stakeholders to engage with global leaders and explore how the right regulatory framework can create a thriving ecosystem for the iGaming industry, much like the success stories from Malta, Singapore, and Brazil.

SiGMA South Asia 2025 was not just an event—it was a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Sri Lanka’s gaming landscape. With continued collaboration, innovation, and regulatory reform, Sri Lanka could become a regional leader in the iGaming industry, providing a blueprint for other nations in South Asia and beyond.