The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) presented appointment letters to the members of its Advisory Committees for 2026-2029 and launched the Export Performance Indicators 2025 at a ceremony held yesterday at The Grand Maitland, Maitland Place, Colombo 07. Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti said: “Building on the growth achieved by all export sectors over the past two years, we must move towards new targets that surpass our own past records. By amending outdated laws and regulations that hinder exports, and with the collective strength and technical expertise of the public and private sectors, everyone must join hands to achieve these export targets.”
EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe briefed the Advisory Committee members in detail on the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026-2030 and also gave a special briefing on the Sri Lanka Expo 2027 international exhibition.
Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Director General Mr. Erandika Dissanayake, Additional Director General (Development) Ms. Kumuduni Mudalige, other officials and a large gathering of Advisory Committee members also attended the occasion.
Under Section 10(1) of the Sri Lanka Export Development Act No. 40 of 1979, the EDB is empowered to establish Advisory Committees for the development and promotion of products and services, as well as for functional aspects of export trade. Accordingly, new members were appointed to the Advisory Committees for a three-year term from 2026 to 2029.
The members were selected to represent exporters, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), private sector associations, relevant government institutions and experts with experience in the respective sectors, based on the contribution they could make to those sectors.
The Advisory Committees have been integral to the work of the EDB. Their inputs are essential for formulating the EDB's annual Action Plans, the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), the National Export Policy and more. Their insights are vital to revitalizing export performance and placing the sector on a sustainable growth trajectory.
In line with the national export target of US$ 36 billion by 2030 and the goal of diversifying the export product basket, the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, in collaboration with the EDB and key public and private sector stakeholders, formulated the NEDP with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Ministry's policy-based lending programme. The plan identified the strategies required to strengthen the national business environment and advance export growth.
The new twenty-four (24) Advisory Committees were established across the following sectors. Six Committees focus on the NEDP cross-sector enablers: Trade Logistics and Hub Operations; Trade Facilitation; Trade Finance, Business and Investment Environment Reform; Trade Promotion and Market Links; Quality Management, Standards, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG); and Skills Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.
Eight Committees cover the NEDP priority sectors: Auto Components & Engineering; Mineral-based Products; Rubber-based Industries; Marine-based Industries (including Boat and Ship Building); Spices and Concentrates; Digital Products and Services; Electrical and Electronic Components; and Processed Food and Beverages (F&B).
The remaining ten Committees represent other key sectors: Apparel; Ayurveda & Herbal Products and Cosmetics; Coconut & Coconut-Based Products; Construction & Power Energy Services; Gems, Diamonds & Jewellery; Organic Products; Ornamental Fish; Pharmaceuticals; Seafood & Aquaculture; and SME Exports Development.
