The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) successfully conducted a networking forum for exporters from the North Western and North Central Provinces on the 3rd of October at the Kandyan Reach Hotel in Kurunegala, under the patronage of Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
The forum, which brought together a large gathering of exporters from the North Western and North Central Provinces, aimed to enhance regional export capabilities and ensure necessary participation for the national export strategy.
The primary objective of this forum was to establish direct communication channels between regional exporters and government institutions as well as policy planners. This platform facilitated discussions on customs procedures, legal and administrative challenges, and market access issues while seeking practical solutions.
The forum also aimed to provide necessary facilities for knowledge exchange among exporters and strengthening business relationships, as well as to contribute to policy development based on the genuine needs of regional export entrepreneurs.
A special highlight of the forum was the discussion on the issues faced by regional exporters. Participating exporters were able to directly interact with representatives of government agencies related to the export process, such as Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Inland Revenue. This opportunity could be considered as a strong foundation for building a long-term regional export network. In addition, this initiative aims to provide rural producers with international market linkages, develop supply chains and facilitate the establishment of a more equitable export system.
Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, addressing the exporters, stated that this programme was initiated with the objective of fostering regional export growth by promptly resolving the challenges faced by exporters and gathering new ideas and proposals to strengthen the sector.
In addition, several exporters shared valuable suggestions and proposals to be considered in formulating the upcoming National Export Development Plan, reflecting the importance of incorporating regional perspectives into national export policy planning.
The event was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Hon. Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Dr. Namal Sudarshana, Governor of the North Western Province Hon. Thissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya, Members of Parliament representing the Kurunegala District, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Additional Secretary (Industrial Development) of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Susantha Jayathilaka, Chief Secretary of the North Western Province Mr. I.M. Ilangakoon.
Also present were representatives from the Sri Lanka Customs Department, Department of Inland Revenue, Industrial Development Board, Regional Industrial Service Centres, Coconut Development Authority, Department of Export Agriculture, Coconut Cultivation Board, National Aquaculture Development Authority, and Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation, along with officials from the EDB and Export Development Officers
A large number of exporters from the North Western and North Central Provinces also participated in the programme.
