The Chairman is supported by sixteen members, including the Secretaries of Ministries represented in the Export Development Council of Ministers, the CEO of the Board of Investment (BOI) and six members from private sector enterprises (representing industry, business, commerce, finance and other relevant fields), appointed by the Minister in Charge.

The Chairman, who is the Chief Executive, is assisted by a Director General and two Additional Director Generals, supported by several Divisions, each headed by a Director.

To increase the country’s export value of products and services to US$ 15 Bn. by 2015, in line with “Mahinda Chintana – Vision for the Future”.

To increase exports to markets other than the EU and USA by over 50% by 2015, while consolidating the market position in the EU and USA.

To pay particular attention to the seven identified key product sectors,  which will contribute over 80% of total export value, and achieve significant growth in those sectors.

To project a more positive and a favourable image of Sri Lanka’s exports as a whole, through the conduct of integrated marketing communication programmes in selected markets.

To broad-base the beneficiaries of exports across the country and sectors, including SMEs.


To build a team of excellence at the EDB, based on core values, with particular emphasis on employee productivity and commitment.

• Assisting in the improvement of the macro and micro economic environment viz- a-viz the development of exports, in association with the relevant state and private sector agencies and by making policy recommendations.
• Formulating and implementing the National Export Development Plan and sectoral development plans, in association with the relevant state and private sector agencies.
• Providing exporters with a viable overseas market-environment by active participation in trade negotiations and relevant follow-up activities.
• Conducting market research/surveys and identifying market opportunities for Sri Lankan products and services.
• Implementation of supply development programmes including technical, quality and packaging development, in order to assist exporters/potential exporters to improve/increase the competitiveness of exports.
• Formulating and implementing  integrated product development and market development programmes, in order to expand existing markets and support exporters/potential exporters’ entry into new markets.
• Promoting exports by virtue of EDB’s physical presence overseas.
• Implementing  export development programmes for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to increase the awareness of the export potential of the SME sector and to encourage and assist SMEs to export.
• Providing up to date information on markets, products, tariffs, regulations, international commodity prices, national/international trade statistics as well as :
  on-line access to international data bases
  access to in-house trade publications
  provision of audio visual support material to exporters, as well as the production of video films on selected export sectors.
• Supporting exporters and potential exporters to conduct their business more effectively, with the use of information and communication technology.
• Assisting the export sector to achieve trade efficiency by helping them to resolve their problems/constraints in association with related agencies.
• Assisting in improvement of export support services in co-ordination with other service-providers.
• Working with international trade promotion organizations as well as other local trade support organizations, with the purpose of assisting exporters and potential exporters in the development of business opportunities in the world market.
• Implementing human resource development training/awareness programmes for exporters, potential exporters and related personnel, with the objective of helping them to acquire/enhance their skills in technology, productivity, financial/general management, export marketing, etc.