A strategic planning session focusing on current export conditions, regional potential, and the necessary interventions to enhance export development in the North Western and North Central Provinces was held recently at the Kurunegala District Secretariat. The session was chaired by Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with the objective of strengthening provincial-level contributions to Sri Lanka’s national export development agenda.
The primary goal of the discussion was to explore effective strategies for utilizing regional resources to boost export-oriented industries, while encouraging the active and structured involvement of Export Development Officers (EDOs) in these provinces.
Addressing the session, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), outlined the national export targets and the challenges to be addressed. He highlighted the critical role of EDOs in achieving the ambitious export revenue target of USD 36 billion by 2030, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, commitment, and proactive implementation under the prevailing economic conditions.
Hon. Minister Sunil Handunnetti stressed the need for effective coordination at the Divisional Secretariat level to support national export objectives. He elaborated on the Ministry’s role in facilitating access to essential resources for entrepreneurs, such as credit, land, and infrastructure. The Minister also paid close attention to the concerns raised by the EDOs regarding the practical challenges they face in the field.
He assured that the Ministry would continue to monitor the activities of EDOs and extend the necessary support to ensure the success of regional export initiatives. The program, he noted, is expected to be rolled out in other provinces in the near future.
The event was attended by Hon. Tissa Kumara Waranasuriya, Governor of the North Western Province; Kurunegala District Members of Parliament Hon. B.M. Wijesiri and Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake; Mr. D.M.K.C. Dissanayake, Kurunegala District Secretary; Mr. N.A.A.S. Priyankara, Additional District Secretary (Development); Ms. W.M.C. Kumuduni Wijekuruppu, Additional District Secretary (Lands); Mr. G.P.S.J.D. Soysa, Additional District Secretary (Administration); Divisional Secretaries from the Kurunegala District; Mr. D.M.P. Dissanayake, Acting Director, Regional Development Division of the EDB; and officers from the EDB Head Office and North Western Provincial Office. Also present were EDOs from the North Western and North Central Provinces, along with regional exporters.
