The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) welcomed His Excellency Mr. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to Sri Lanka, for an official meeting at the EDB on 14th July 2026. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, and attended by senior EDB officials. Mr. Sanjay Kulatunga, Honorary Consul-General of Sweden in Sri Lanka, also participated in the discussions.
During the meeting, Mr. Wijesinghe provided an overview of Sri Lanka's export performance, highlighting the country's key export sectors, emerging opportunities, and potential areas for expanding trade with the Nordic region. Particular attention was given to Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled to be held from 14–17 January 2027 in Colombo, which is expected to serve as a premier platform for connecting international buyers with Sri Lankan exporters.
Ambassador Thesleff expressed strong interest in supporting Sri Lanka's export promotion efforts and reaffirmed Sweden's commitment to bringing a Swedish trade delegation to Sri Lanka Expo 2027. He noted that preparations are already underway to facilitate the participation of Swedish buyers and investors at the exhibition. The Ambassador also acknowledged Sri Lanka's reputation for producing high-quality, sustainable products that are well-positioned to meet the demands of European and Nordic markets.
The discussions highlighted the strong export potential of several Sri Lankan sectors, including Ceylon Cinnamon, coconut and coconut-based products, gems and jewellery, apparel, and information and communication technology (ICT). Ambassador Thesleff commended the high-quality standards maintained by Sri Lankan exporters and emphasized the growing market opportunities for these products and services in Sweden and the wider Nordic region.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations between Sri Lanka and the Nordic countries. The EDB Chairman expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Thesleff for his continued support, valuable cooperation, and commitment to promoting stronger commercial engagement between Sri Lanka and the Nordic region.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing confidence in further enhancing bilateral trade relations. Ambassador Thesleff also reaffirmed his intention to return to Sri Lanka with a Swedish trade delegation to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, to be held from 14–17 January 2027 in Colombo.
