Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
Building on the outcomes of the December 2024 UK–Sri Lanka trade mission and the launch of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub in March 2025, Sri Lankan women-led businesses are now strengthening their engagement directly with the UK market through a trade initiative focused on advancing tangible business linkages.
BIOFACH, being the world’s largest and most influential international trade fair dedicated to the organic sector, provides a vital global platform for countries to promote their certified organic products and strengthen their presence in international markets. Recognizing this importance, Sri Lanka will participate in BIOFACH 2026, to be held in Nuremberg, Germany, from 10th to 13th February 2026, with a strong national presence organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU).
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) had a high-level meeting with Mr. Hung Chiu Wah Derek, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Hong Kong, on 06th February 2026, during his visit to Sri Lanka. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman and CEO of the EDB and attended by Directors, highlighting the strategic importance of Hong Kong as a key export destination and gateway to East Asian and global markets.
The Export Development Board (EDB) recently organized a networking session at its head office, targeting new and potential exporters in Sri Lanka's tea and coconut sectors.
The 09th edition of the Boat & Marine Show organized collectively by the Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka (CMISL), Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was held successfully from 30th January – 01st February 2026 at Port City, Colombo which showcased the country’s capabilities in marine tourism, recreational boating, yachting and boat building which are mainly focused on exports.
Senior officials of Mr.Daniel Jaksan, Economic and Commercial officer at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, accompanied by Ms.Thiloma Abayanayaka, Commercial and Economic Assistant, met with the Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB) Mr.Mangala Wijesinghe, along with the senior officials including Acting Additional Director General (Development) Mrs. Kumudinie Mudalige, Director of Export Agriculture Mr. Janak Badugama, Director of Trade Facilitation & Trade Information Dr. S.U. Rathnasekera, and other EDB officials to discuss expanding trade relations and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The latest edition provides statistical information related to Sri Lanka’s external trade and its contribution to major economic indicators such as trade balance. GDP and individual sectorial involvement for the year 2024 and five preceding years.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Policy-Based project of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, conducted a series of validation workshops for the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2025–2029 from January 12th to 14th, 2026.
Sri Lanka is set to make a remarkable presence at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious food and beverage exhibitions, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB). With its participation, the island nation aims to showcase its rich food ingredients, premium-quality products, and dynamic export potential on a truly global stage.
Export Development Board (EDB) recently held the National Consultative Forum on the Strategic Export Development Roadmap 2026-2030 at its head office.
Awareness Workshop on the Proposed Changes in the Legal Framework of the National Organic Agricultural System in Sri Lanka, Organized by the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU) of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board in collaboration with the ITC-UK Trade Partnership Programme
The United Kingdom remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important trading partners and is currently the second-largest export destination for Sri Lankan goods. In a significant move to strengthen trade relations with developing countries, the UK introduced the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) with effect from 19th June 2023, granting preferential market access to 65 developing countries, including Sri Lanka. Under this scheme, over 92% of Sri Lanka’s product lines qualify for duty-free access to the UK market.
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry made a strong and impactful presence at Source Fashion London 2026, held from 13th to 15th January at Olympia London, United Kingdom, reinforcing the country’s position as a reliable and competitive global sourcing destination.
Sri Lanka is set to make a bold statement at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest food and beverage exhibitions, scheduled to take place from 26th to 30th January 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. Organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB Sri Lanka), this year’s participation marks a historic milestone for the country’s export sector
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board officially announced today, January 9, the launch of an international exhibition titled "Sri Lanka Expo 2026" aimed at promoting Sri Lanka's export potential and investment opportunities. The official website for the exhibition, www.srilankaexpo.lk, was also launched at the event, enabling local exhibitors and foreign buyers to register online.
Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its strong upward trajectory, recording a significant 5.8 % y-o-y growth during the period from January to November 2025. Based on Sri Lanka Customs statistics and estimated export figures for Gems & Jewellery, Petroleum Products and services, total exports reached US$ 15,776.36 Mn, the performance signals sustained growth and improved external trade conditions.
Marking the first-ever focused initiative to promote Sri Lanka’s construction services in the Indian market, a sector-specific business delegation visited Mumbai from 25th - 28th November 2025. This initiative was organized by Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai.
Proud to have represented the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) at the "Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB)" Capacity Building Session held on 26th November 2025 at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. This programme focused on enhancing the knowledge of our stakeholders, particularly SMEs and supply chain partners, on reporting frameworks, due diligence expectations, traceability requirements, and building accountability into their operations.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), together with the International Trade Centre (ITC), Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), recently launched the second phase of the Global Textile and Clothing Programme (GTEX2) in Sri Lanka. The initiative, implemented from 2024 to 2027, aims to enhance the competitiveness and global market presence of the country’s apparel sector.
