The 1st of August 2025 marks the 46th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the country’s apex organization for export promotion and development. Established under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act No. 40 of 1979, the EDB plays a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant and diversified export sector, positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive player in global trade.
Laying the Foundation for a National Export Culture
The EDB’s journey began during a period of economic reorientation following the liberalization of trade policies in the late 1970s. With the aim of fostering a national export culture, the EDB spearheaded grassroots initiatives such as the Performance-Oriented Incentive Scheme for Export Production Villages and later expanded to multiple districts underscoring the Board’s commitment to inclusive, rural-based export growth.
Other early milestones included the inaugural Buyer-Seller Meet Programme in Denmark and the launch of communication tools like the Exporters' Forum and Industrial Letter Magazine. The first National Export Development Plan in 1983 laid a strategic foundation that would guide the sector’s evolution.
Expansion, Innovation, and Digitization
The 1990s and early 2000s were marked by institutional innovation and geographic outreach. The landmark Sri Lanka Expo '92 trade fair, hosted at BMICH, showcased over 350 Sri Lankan companies and earned international acclaim. Simultaneously, the introduction of electronic communication platforms and trade databases modernized the country’s trade information systems.
National branding initiatives such as the promotion of Ceylon Spices and the establishment of regional trade centers in Kandy, Hambantota, and Ampara demonstrated a sustained effort to broaden product reach and regional participation.
With the dawn of the new millennium, the EDB embraced digital transformation by introducing pioneering e-commerce programs, launching the National Export Strategy 2004–2009, and establishing Sri Lanka’s first national online trade platform. These efforts enhanced Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in an increasingly digitized global market.
Elevating to a Global Standard
Over the past decade, the EDB has transformed into a sophisticated, future-ready trade promotion organization. The launch of the So Sri Lanka nation branding campaign in 2012, along with the hosting of international events such as the World Export Development Forum in 2016 and 2019, placed Sri Lanka firmly on the global trade map.
Key achievements during this period include the establishment of the National Packaging Centre, enhanced support for organic certification under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) system, and a renewed emphasis on sustainability and high-value service exports. The National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), established in 2014, continues to play a vital role in certifying and standardizing organic products for global markets.
Recent Achievements and Strategic Outlook
In 2024, Sri Lanka recorded an impressive export performance, with earnings of US$ 16.2 billion driven largely by the apparel and ICT sectors. Looking ahead, the EDB has set an ambitious target of US$ 18.2 billion in export earnings for 2025, with a long-term vision of surpassing US$ 45 billion by 2030.
Emerging sectors such as Electronics, ICT/BPM, Logistics, Boat Building and Construction services are expected to contribute significantly to these goals, reflecting a strategic pivot towards high-value and diversified exports.
The EDB has also strengthened its global presence by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with trade promotion agencies in countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Ukraine, Vietnam, South Africa, and Canada enhancing international market access for Sri Lankan exporters.
Looking Ahead
As Sri Lanka navigates a path toward economic recovery and sustainable development, the role of exports becomes more critical than ever. The EDB is poised to lead this transformation by embracing digital commerce, sustainability, and strategic global partnerships.
With over four decades of experience, the EDB remains committed to fostering a dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking export ecosystem an essential pillar in Sri Lanka’s journey towards becoming a developed economy.
Sri Lanka Export Development Board
01.08.2025
