The 26th Exporters' Forum, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was successfully held today (August 19) at the EDB premises, chaired by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti. The forum provided an important opportunity for exporters to present their business challenges directly to policymakers and obtain practical solutions.
Addressing the forum, Minister Sunil Handunnetti stated that the government is providing maximum support to strengthen the country's economy by simplifying the obstacles present in the export sector. He said that exporters' problems are not confined to Colombo alone, and that steps are already being taken to discuss and resolve issues directly with government institutions at the provincial and district levels.
He noted that the government's primary target is to increase export volume rather than merely the number of exporters. He stated that barriers preventing rural producers from taking their products to the international market are being removed by providing them with the necessary understanding of international markets, proper packaging, and technology.
Minister Handunnetti concluded by stating that everyone must work together for the country's financial independence by simplifying policy decisions and creating an environment favourable to exporters.
Speaking at the 26th Exporters' Forum, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe stated that, in line with the National Export Development Plan, the government's target is to achieve export earnings of USD 36 billion by the year 2030. He noted that Sri Lanka recorded a historic export value of USD 17.3 billion in 2025, and is pursuing a target of USD 19 billion for 2026. He further emphasized that the public and private sectors are working together to remove the practical and trade-related obstacles faced by exporters.
Among the issues raised by exporters, a significant number have already been referred to relevant institutions through the Export Facilitation Task Force for resolution. Priority was given to discussing and finding solutions to the remaining issues directly at this forum.
The event was also attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekaran, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Udesh Weeraratne, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, Director General Erandika Dissanayake, Dr. Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, Director of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Division, along with other directors, representatives of export advisory committees, exporters' associations, chamber of commerce representatives, EDB officials, representatives of private sector companies, and officials from various government institutions.
The 26th Exporters' Forum served as an important occasion that introduced a new approach to Sri Lanka's export promotion efforts and reaffirmed the government's commitment to facilitating international trade.
