In recent years, the global collectibles market has undergone a massive transformation, evolving from a niche basement hobby into a sophisticated alternative asset class.
From the high-stakes world of rare Pokémon cards to the intricate nostalgia of die-cast models and vintage comics, the collector spirit is finally finding its footing in South Asia.
In Sri Lanka, this movement reached a fever pitch with the debut of Lanka Collector Con. What began as a bold experiment soon turned into a high-energy convergence of grail hunters, seasoned traders, and a new generation of enthusiasts eager to turn their passions into a lifestyle.
In this exclusive interview, the organisers take us behind the scenes of the lightbulb moment that sparked the event, the logistical tightrope of handling high-value assets, and their ambitious vision for the future of hobbyist culture in the island nation.
The Daily Morning spoke to Pranil Abeysinghe, one of the founders of Lanka Collector Con about this latest venture.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
Colombo has seen its share of general con events, but what was the specific lightbulb moment that made you realise the local community needed a dedicated space exclusively for serious collectors and trading cards?
Trading card conventions have evolved into a massive global phenomenon, commanding massive audiences in North America, Europe, and East Asia. While observing this growth, we were genuinely surprised and somewhat perplexed that a dedicated TCG (Trading Card Game) event hadn’t yet materialised in Sri Lanka, despite the sheer number of local enthusiasts we knew existed in silos. As collectors ourselves, we felt a personal responsibility to bridge this gap.
The lightbulb moment came when we realised that while general pop-culture cons touched on these hobbies, they didn't provide the specialised infrastructure that serious trading and high-value collecting require. We decided to bring this culture to our shores to create a centralised hub. We were thrilled to witness the synergy of bringing the community together, and it was deeply rewarding to see veteran collectors returning to the hobby after years away, alongside a new generation of enthusiasts being introduced to this vibrant culture for the first time.
Choosing a venue like Hatch, how was that experience?
When we began planning, we honestly didn't realise the sheer scale of the latent demand for a concept of this nature in the local market. The initial response during our promotional phase was so overwhelming that it became clear our original space wouldn't suffice. Based on that surge in interest, we made the strategic decision to move Day two to a larger, more versatile location.
That is when we reached out to Hatch, and the experience was exceptional. They were beyond accommodating and genuinely excited to host a niche community event. The aesthetic of the space—a blend of modern innovation and heritage—ticked every box for our requirements. The comfort and professional atmosphere it offered really elevated the prestige of the overall event, providing a backdrop that matched the value of the items on display.
Collectors are often quite private about their high-value assets. How difficult was it to build trust within this niche community to get them to bring their grails out into a public setting?
A collector's grails represent more than just financial assets; they hold immense sentimental value and years of dedicated searching. We understood from the start that asking someone to bring a high-value card or a rare figurine into a public space required a foundation of mutual respect. We believe in building networks through genuine trust and personal connections, but we also recognise that trust must be backed by tangible action.
To mitigate risks, we ensured that comprehensive security measures were integrated into the event’s DNA. By providing a controlled environment with active monitoring and professional oversight, we gave our vendors and private collectors the peace of mind they needed. This allowed them to showcase their most valuable items without the fear of damage or theft, turning a private passion into a shared public celebration.
Beyond the expected TCG fans, were there any specific collector groups (e.g., vintage die-cast, rare coins, or retro gaming) whose passion and turnout genuinely surprised the organising team?
While the overwhelming majority of attendees were indeed focused on TCGs like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, the diversity of the sub-cultures that surfaced was fascinating. We saw a significant turnout from the comic book community, die-cast car enthusiasts, high-end figurine collectors, and even philatelists.
What surprised us most wasn't just their presence, but their eagerness to integrate. These groups showed a profound interest in becoming a more permanent fixture of the convention. It proved that regardless of the medium—whether it’s a rare stamp or a holographic card—the "collector spirit" is universal. We are already looking at ways to provide these specific groups with more dedicated floor space and specialised programming in the next installment of Lanka Collector Con.
Unlike a standard exhibition, Collector Con relies on active engagement. What were some most memorable trades or interactions you witnessed on the floor that signaled the event was a success?
In many ways, the event felt like a success before the doors even opened, simply due to the massive digital engagement that forced us to upgrade our venue mid-promotion. However, the true win was seeing the leap of faith pay off for those who walked in with skepticism.
One of the most memorable aspects was the electric atmosphere during our live auctions for Pokémon cards and rare figurines; the room was silent in anticipation and then erupted with every successful bid. Beyond the transactions, seeing seasoned collectors sit down with young kids to explain the history of a specific card was incredible. We hosted panel discussions that weren't just lectures but dialogues. These interactions signaled that we had moved beyond a mere marketplace; we had facilitated true, human connections built on a shared obsession.
Based on the turnout and the caliber of items being traded, how would you describe the maturity of the Sri Lankan collector market today compared to a few years ago?
The maturity of the market has actually been quite high for a while, but it was largely invisible. The passion and the knowledge base haven't changed overnight; the difference today is that we have finally created a formal platform for that energy to be channeled. In previous years, collectors operated in isolation or within small private groups.
By establishing Lanka Collector Con, we have helped keep the spark alive by allowing people to educate one another on their selective hobbies. We are witnessing the evolution of what was once a stagnant or fragmented market of individuals into a cohesive ecosystem. People are now realising they aren't alone in their passion, and that realisation is what drives market growth, better pricing transparency, and a more robust trading culture.
In a world of fakes and proxies, how did the team address the concerns of authenticity and grading, and do you see the Con playing a role in standardising verified trading in Sri Lanka?
The prevalence of counterfeit items and proxies is a major threat to the integrity of any collector community. Eliminating these fakes from our event is, and will always be, one of our top priorities. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy, which is a non-negotiable clause in our vendor agreements. To protect the buyers, every vendor undergoes a rigorous screening process before they are cleared to set up a table.
Furthermore, we took a proactive step by partnering with a reputable Colombo-based store to provide a dedicated card authentication booth. This was an educational cornerstone of the event, especially for younger enthusiasts who are often the most vulnerable to scams. By teaching them how to spot inked cards or low-quality proxies, we are helping to standardise a safer, more verified trading environment for the entire country.
What was the biggest logistical challenge in organising an event that focuses on high-value, fragile items compared to a standard commercial expo?
The primary challenge was the delicate balance of crowd control and accessibility. Unlike a standard trade expo where items are often durable or mass-produced, our floor was filled with high-value, fragile collectibles that could be ruined by a single accidental spill or a crowded shove. This required a highly strategic floor plan designed to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a smooth, circular flow of traffic.
We had to maintain a strong, visible security presence while ensuring the atmosphere remained welcoming and not clinical. It required constant communication with our vendors, who were instrumental in maintaining the safety of their own stalls while looking out for the community at large. The intentionality behind the layout meant that even during peak hours, the grails remained safe and the environment stayed professional.
This event felt like a successful pilot for many. Looking ahead to the next edition, are there plans to introduce more professional elements, such as live auctions or onsite grading services?
Since our pilot already successfully incorporated live auctions and several other key engagement features, our focus for the next edition is on refinement and scaling. We want to ensure that the core structure—which the community clearly loves—remains intact while we polish the execution.
Regarding onsite grading, it is important to be realistic: the specialised infrastructure and certified graders required by companies like PSA or BGS aren't available in Sri Lanka yet, and likely won't be for some time. However, we are filling that gap by working with our trusted vendors to provide secure, streamlined "middleman" services. This allows local collectors to send their cards overseas to reputed establishments for professional grading with far less risk and logistical hassle than doing it individually.
If you could fast-forward five years, what do you want ‘Lanka Collector Con’ to represent the youth and hobbyist culture in Sri Lanka?
In five years, we envision Lanka Collector Con as the premier regional destination for the "alternative" economy of collectibles. We want it to be a landmark event that the youth look forward to all year—a place that represents more than just a marketplace. We are building a space that is as much about education and financial literacy as it is about fun.
We want to empower the next generation to understand how to invest wisely in their hobbies, how to spot value, and how to preserve history through their collections. Ultimately, our goal is for this convention to be a gateway—a bridge that allows any Sri Lankan with a passion to explore, learn, and thrive within a community that respects and celebrates their dedication.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the Interviewee, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication